Author Archive

John Slater

John Slater, a FOCUS Managing Director and Advanced Manufacturing Team Leader, has thirty one years of M&A and capital raising experience. Prior to that time, he spent nine years as a practicing attorney, focused primarily on financial transactions, securities and tax matters. He can be reached at [email protected].

Creating a “Powerhouse of Solutions” in Advanced Manufacturing

May 8th, 2023

In our ongoing series “American Made,” we take an in-depth look at the revitalization of the U.S.-based advanced manufacturing business.

Machine Shop Robots Get Real

March 11th, 2023

Ten years ago, many of the tasks in a high-precision machine shop could be done by easily hirable shop floor employees. Not anymore. Today every shop owner has to deal with the increasingly frustrating task of recruiting qualified workers. To read the full article, click here. If it prompts some follow-up questions on how …

Machine Shop Robots Get Real

February 22nd, 2023

Ten years ago, many of the tasks in a high-precision machine shop could be done by easily hirable shop floor employees. Not anymore.

Automation Is Coming to Your Machine Shop. Are You Ready?

October 31st, 2022

The FOCUS Advanced Manufacturing team recently returned from our trip to the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. Our main takeaway from the gathering can probably be summed up in one word—Automation.

When you think of automation, you usually think of large manufacturing plants, like an automobile assembly plant, with hundreds of robotic arms installing …

Using technology, automation and regionalization to overcome supply chain bottlenecks

July 18th, 2022

Labor shortages are just one complication manufacturers face. Supply chain disruption has reared its head as one of the biggest challenges to date. John Slater and Courtney Ryan discuss what companies need to do to overcome these obstacles.

Four Ways to Boost the Value of Your Precision Manufacturing Business in 2022

May 16th, 2022

The precision manufacturing industry continues to consolidate at a rapid pace. What must consolidators—and the companies they acquire—do to up their game in 2022 and add more value to what they are creating?

Is your precision metalworking company looking for machinists?

March 10th, 2022

If your precision metalworking shop is looking to hire your next machinist—and we know what short supply these technicians are in— your local middle school or high school might be an appropriate place to look. That is if they have their own student-run machine shop business in place. And if they don't, maybe your company can help them get one started.