William McCracken was both surprised and honored to be named a scholarship recipient from the Metals Service Center Institute.  A recent graduate of Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point, North Carolina, William will apply his award toward the study of computer science at Liberty University in Virginia. 

His father, Paul McCracken was equally proud of his son upon learning the news.  A senior engineer for O’Neal Manufacturing Services in Greensboro, NC, Paul has been a dedicated team member of OMS for the past 18 years.

William’s interest in computer science was sparked by one of the many honors and advanced placement classes he completed in high school.  Recognized for his academic achievements as a National High School Scholar, he maintained perfect attendance and was a member of the Beta Club and the National Spanish Honor Society.  William played both the saxophone and piano, and he distinguished himself in the honors band.

The Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) is the premier, not-for-profit association serving the industrial metals industry. As a member of MSCI, O’Neal Manufacturing Services and our employees benefit from the vision, tools, and programs offered by the organization, which include academic scholarships supported by its individual chapters across North America. OMS is pleased to recognize William’s designation as an MSCI Scholarship recipient, and we wish him well as he continues his academic journey.

Becoming a citizen of our country is a significant accomplishment and one that deserves recognition and celebration. We are happy to announce that our Greensboro, NC team member, Ali Nkulu, completed the naturalization process this month and is now a U.S. citizen!

Ali was born in the continent of Africa. Originally from the Congo, he later fled to Burundi where he obtained refugee status. Once Ali was granted access to enter the United States, he did not wait long to begin the citizenship process. American citizenship is a lengthy commitment that requires dedication and study. After 7 months of applications and interviews, and passing both civics and English tests, Ali was finally sworn in.

When asked what his new status means to him, Ali replied, “It feels good to be able to have the same rights as all the other US citizens. I am finally able to vote and get my passport, which will allow me to travel with my family.”

OMS Production Manager, Dan Abel, highly regards his fellow employee. “I am extremely proud of him for obtaining his U.S. citizenship while working full-time and supporting his family.” 

Ali has been a member of the O’Neal Manufacturing Services team in Greensboro, for the past 15 months and currently holds the position of machine operator.  His fellow teammates celebrated with Ali and recognized his commitment to this great accomplishment.

“Ali has been an exceptional employee, dedicated to our company’s success,” remarked Amanda Wood, General Manager for the OMS Greensboro facility. “I’m excited for this opportunity for him, and it makes me feel good to know that he chose to grow his career here, with our Greensboro team.”   

OMS Cedar Falls would like to recognize the first graduates of its IMT Apprenticeship Class!

• Chris Aberle           1^st Shift Press Brake Operator promoted to 2^nd Shift Lead, Forming Department
• Kirk Hanks             1^st Shift Press Brake Operator
• Kevin Youngblut  1^st Shift Logistics Clerk promoted to Customer Service Representative
• Dean Brockway    1^st Shift Maintenance Department
• Jacob Goodman   1^st Shift Lead, Welding Department
• Casjen Siems         2^nd Shift Lead promoted to 2^nd Shift Production Supervisor

Registered with the U. S. Department of Labor, this nationally recognized apprenticeship program certifies front-line manufacturing production workers with essential skills for the operation of advanced manufacturing equipment.

Six employees completed 18 months and 3000 hours of skilled training at both the Cedar Falls plant and Hawkeye Community College. OMS partnered with Catalyst Connection to develop coursework needed to meet the apprenticeship accreditation.

Designed to improve manufacturing processes and meet customer requirements, course topics covered the set-up, operation, monitoring, and control of production equipment, as well as material management, manufacturing business systems, and operational efficiencies.

OMS department managers shared their team’s impact on every step of the manufacturing process, from quoting and production to final part shipping. Class examples included: CNC control, blueprint reading, industrial math, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, safety, practical problem solving, Train the Trainer and communication.

Apprenticeship classes began in March 2022 and concluded in July 2023 with the presentation of a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship for the Occupation of Industrial Manufacturing Technician.

Congratulations to our newest IMTs! We sincerely appreciated their dedication, and we look forward to launching our next apprenticeship class in January 2024.

O’Neal Manufacturing Services offers incredible bending accuracy for oversized parts. Our TRUMPF TruBend 8010 press brake tackles large and heavy parts up to 23′ long with repeatable precision. 

Watch the installation unfold in this captivating time-lapse video and see our TRUMPF TruBend 8010 press brake in action.

Our newest forming machine features:

• 1,100 U.S. ton press force
• Accommodates parts up to 23 feet long
• Usable open height of 34 inches
• 6-Axis back gauge
• Hydraulic tool clamping
• Laser-controlled bending

Our TRUMPF TruBend 8010 press brake provides even greater bending capacity than ever before. When you need fast and efficient forming of long and thick parts, reach out to our experienced team of highly skilled fabrication professionals. We offer state-of-the-art equipment to produce complex parts with tight tolerances, precision, and accuracy. Let’s Build Things!®

O’Neal Manufacturing Services stocks both standard steel profiles and custom-designed special profiles for a variety of market applications. Industries utilizing special steel profiles include material handling, railroad, agricultural, automotive, industrial, linear motion, and building construction. These custom-shaped bars are rolled or extruded in a variety of material grades with geometry and composition to precisely match customer specifications.

• O’Neal Manufacturing Services stocks special profiles for the material handling industry including forklift masts and telescopic guide rails for high racking and shelving systems.
• The railroad equipment industry requires steel profiles for rail fastening and track construction as well as rail cars.
• Special profiles for blade holders and corn pickers are used in the agricultural equipment industry.
• Hinge profiles for car and truck doors are used in the automotive and transportation industry.
• Pipe couplings, corner profiles, and locking profiles for sheet piling are critical components of the construction equipment industry.
• Industrial equipment applications include linear guide rail systems for motion/bearing controls.  

Special Steel Profiles

Purchase custom-made special profiles from OMS and experience reduced time and labor costs, lower machine and tool expenditures, and gain overall material investment savings while receiving specially fabricated cross-sections and special dimensions. By purchasing from OMS, you will receive net or near-net shapes for custom profiles as well as kitting and packaging services, and just-in-time delivery.

Standard Steel Profiles

O’Neal Manufacturing Services is engaged in partnerships with multiple mill sources for steel profiles such as channels, I-beams, and carriage bars.  This allows OMS to control our own logistics and offer JIT delivery for our customers.  Additionally, these steel profiles can be incorporated with other products into weldments.  Kitting and packaging programs can be included to save time and logistical expenses.

By offering significant capacity and manufacturing redundancies along with value analysis and engineering, O’Neal Manufacturing Services will optimize production, reduce costs, and deliver strategic, long-term benefits to major industrial equipment manufacturers.

The Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) is the premier, not-for-profit association serving the industrial metals industry. As a member of MSCI, O’Neal Manufacturing Services and our employees benefit from the vision, tools, and programs offered by the organization, which include academic scholarships supported by its individual chapters across North America.

Pittsburgh MSCI chapter member, Chris Thomas, was honored to learn that his son, Devon, was selected as a 2023 scholarship recipient. As Quality Assurance Manager for O’Neal Manufacturing Services, Chris has supported the production and quality operations of our business for the past 15 years.

MSCI recognized Devon Thomas for his exceptional academic achievements. A recent graduate of Blackhawk High School in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Devon received high honors and was inducted into his school’s National Honor Society.  He also enjoyed a well-rounded athletic experience and participated in football, basketball, and soccer, while he maintained an impressive 4.2 grade point average.  

Devon has enrolled at Grove City College in Pennsylvania and has elected to major in mechanical engineering and minor in robotics. In addition to his academic studies, he has earned the position of kicker for the GCC Wolverines football team.

Devon Thomas continues to set high expectations for himself and expressed his desire to be a part of NASA in the future. His inspiration was conveyed in a quote from Stephen Curry, “Be the best version of yourself in anything you do. You don’t have to live anybody else’s story.”

OMS is proud to recognize Devon for his achievements, and we look forward to the next steps in his academic journey.

When an employee regards his coworkers as his family, the company knows they have someone special.  When that employee marks 50 years of service and is still going strong, the company knows they have someone extraordinary.

That sentiment was expressed this week as O’Neal Manufacturing Services’ team members and their corporate and parent company leadership gathered to celebrate Joe Truesdale’s 50^th work anniversary at the Greensboro, North Carolina steel fabrication plant.

Joe began his career in the steel industry on July 5, 1973, at what was then known as Salem Steel. Over five decades and through the evolution of the company to what is now known as O’Neal Manufacturing Services, Joe held various positions including painter, order puller, truck driver, machine operator, shift supervisor, parts cleaner, and material handler, and he has every intention to keep on going.

“The next 50 years should be just as much fun,” said Joe. With touching words about the family culture of O’Neal Manufacturing Services, Joe expressed a strong bond with his team members who have been there for him along the way. He reflected fondly on his journey with a genuine regard for his work, saying “What you are willing to put in a place is what you get out of it.”  In fact, that is Joe’s advice for prospective employees looking to join his team.

OMS President, Kent Brown, presented Joe with a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey displaying the number 50 and personalized “Mr. Joe”, as he is called by his coworkers. “We’re so grateful for you, Mr. Joe,” remarked Kent. “Your honesty, integrity, and willingness to pitch in wherever needed are a great representation of our company values. You make us a better team.”

Craft O’Neal, Chairman and CEO of O’Neal Industries, the parent company of O’Neal Manufacturing Services added, “O’Neal Industries is dedicated to recognizing, respecting, embracing, and supporting the unique characteristics and experiences that have shaped the lives of our employees. Nothing is more complimentary to a successful business than an employee who regards his coworkers as his family. Thank you for all you have done for OMS.”

The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the U.S. Navy has launched an initiative to energize and engage the Greater Pittsburgh defense industrial base. Through the creation of maritime-focused manufacturing pipelines, the initiative aims to enrich the industrial workforce and address critical trade skill gaps across maritime and defense organizations.

The Pennsylvania Talent Pipeline partners with training providers and employers to increase year-over-year industrial and defense talent acquisition and retention. Through effective education on workforce needs, hands-on skills assessment, and coaching, program participants work together to improve career readiness and job stability. Affiliated employers commit to hiring and retaining program graduates into well-paying and mission-critical careers. With a focus on welders, machinists, metal fabricators, electricians, ship fitters, and NDT/Quality Assurance positions, the initiative strives to ensure long-term success for both the employees and their respective businesses.

With roots dating back to World War I, the O’Neal family of companies is anchored in the support of manufacturing not only in military and defense, marine and aerospace industries, but also in transportation, material handling, construction, agriculture, and more. O’Neal Manufacturing Services in Pittsburgh is a trusted supplier to major OEMs with long-term, strategic outsourcing projects.

Talent Pipeline Program Manager, Mr. Joe Barto, along with Commander and Master Chief Josh Sturgill, and Rear Admiral Scott Pappano, recognized O’Neal Manufacturing Services for its partnership in the program. Alexa Opal (center), MIG Welder for OMS Pittsburgh, and Gus Cassida, Regional General Manager of OMS Pittsburgh, represented the company at the Pennsylvania Talent Pipeline Signing Day.  In total, 19 employees have joined the OMS team through the Pipeline program. For more information on the Talent Pipeline Program visit https://dibtalentpipeline.com/

In recent years, robotic welding technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, offering a wide range of benefits for mass production. With its ability to automate the welding process, improve quality, minimize spatter, and reduce errors, robotic welding has become an indispensable tool for companies looking to stay ahead in today’s competitive market.

Increased Efficiency

One of the primary advantages of robotic welding technology is its ability to weld parts in half the time of traditional welding operations. Robotic welders work quickly and continuously and can be programmed for long runs with minimal downtime. With its precise application, robotic welding has substantially fewer errors and yields less filler waste. This results in reduced spatter and eliminates the need for extensive post-weld cleaning; another time-consuming task routinely associated with manual welding.

Continuous Workflow

Robotic welding cells are programmed to perform at a steady pace, preserving weld integrity for the entire production run. Skilled welders maintain programming control while robotic counterparts scan, position, and weld in a repetitive, uninterrupted workflow. By utilizing robotic weld cells alongside experienced manual welders, OMS offers significantly higher welding capacity than ever before. This translates to greater efficiency and shorter lead times for our customers.

Improved Quality

In addition to boosting productivity, robotic systems are equipped with advanced sensors and cutting-edge software which operate with incredible accuracy and provide consistent, high-quality results. Programmed to follow exact specifications, they monitor weld seam application with a level of precision that eliminates variations in quality and provides error-free, uniform results throughout the entire production run.

Versatility and Flexibility

Robotic welding technology offers unparalleled versatility and flexibility in mass production. The robotic arms equipped with welding torches seamlessly switch between different welding techniques, from arc and spot to MIG and TIG, based on the specific requirements of the task at hand. These automated systems handle various types of welds, including complex and intricate designs for both large and small lot quantities.

The OMS Advantage

Robotic welding technology offers many advantages to customers requiring high-volume manufacturing support. O’Neal Manufacturing Services has been fabricating welded assemblies for more than 100 years. Our robotic weld cells, certified welders, and welding inspectors ensure your steel fabricated parts are high-quality, tested, and structurally sound.

We have the skill, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to produce complex parts with precision and accuracy. Our experienced teams accommodate both lightweight subassemblies and weldments weighing more than 40,000 lbs. By leveraging the speed and precision of robotic welding technology with the extensive fabrication capabilities offered by our facilities across North America, OMS provides the most effective fabrication solutions for your business.

Our first core value as a company states, “People are our greatest asset.”

O’Neal Manufacturing Services is supporting this value through an employee succession program designed to develop our future company leaders. The EPIC curriculum is constructed to inspire participants beyond the ordinary through an 18-month program focused on the topics of Empowerment, Performance, Innovation, and Character.

14 participants are enrolled in the inaugural EPIC program, representing each OMS facility in the United States and Mexico. Over the next year and a half, they will experience 1:1 coaching sessions, in-person and virtual training, visit each U.S. facility, and partake in MSCI’s leadership class at West Point.

2023 EPIC Emerging Leaders Include:

Along with two of our regional general managers as their mentors, Gus Cassida and Federico Fraga, EPIC participants receive direction from our talent manager, Patricia Woods, our human resource team, and OMS directors/internal subject matter experts representing each department.

EPIC cohorts will emerge from the program with the skills to maximize their professional potential and lead O’Neal Manufacturing Services into the future.