Solenoid-based flow control solutions are crucial in various industries, and Peter Paul Electronics is a significant player in manufacturing these solutions while emphasizing efficiency and collaboration.
00:00 Peter Paul specializes in solving tough engineering challenges in extreme environments, such as deep ocean, high pressure, and high-altitude airplanes, by manufacturing high-quality solenoid valves for various applications.
We are vertically integrated and manufacture solenoid valves, making almost everything that goes into the valve.
We make high-quality solenoid-based flow control solutions because there is a need for them in tough applications.
Control of fluids can be achieved through the use of solenoid valves, which are automated and controlled by electricity, allowing for computer automation without the need for human interface.
Solenoid valves are used in various applications such as automotive, medical equipment, aerospace, oil and gas drilling, and transportation.
Handling high pressure in oil and gas distribution is a tough challenge due to the need for containment and the increased forces that the valves must function against, requiring more power and efficient solenoids.
Peter Paul specializes in solving tough engineering challenges in extreme environments such as deep ocean, high pressure, and airplanes flying at high altitudes.
06:24 Peter Paul's journey from a hairdressing shop owner to a solenoid valve manufacturer, influenced by his family's engineering background and a successful bid on a warehouse full of copper.
The speaker's grandfather, an immigrant from Sicily, started a barber shop which eventually evolved into hair salons after World War II.
Peter Paul started as a coil winding business after winning a bid on a warehouse full of copper, eventually evolving into a solenoid valve manufacturer.
Peter Paul electronics evolved from a hairdressing shop owner's bid on a warehouse, but they no longer market electronics.
He got interested in the manufacturing business from a young age as his dad was already involved in it, and he was attracted to the equipment and machines.
The speaker grew up in a family involved in engineering, worked for Otis elevator for six years, and eventually returned to work in the engineering department of his family's company.
12:53 Otis Elevator used AI in the 80s to optimize elevator operations, while Peter Paul gained valuable experience in control systems for sideways elevators and solenoid valves are important in elevator applications.
Otis Elevator was already using artificial intelligence in the 80s to determine which elevator should go to which floor and pick up which call button in a high-rise building.
Positioning multiple elevators in a building with different floors and destinations to minimize waiting time and efficiently manage passenger traffic.
Working on control systems for sideways elevators in the shuttle group provided valuable application experience for the speaker's career at Peter Paul.
Solenoid valves are widely used in elevators and various applications, including controlling hydraulic fluid in elevators, and their market is significant for Peter Paul.
17:15 The company's strong application engineering department has led to organic growth and the ability to solve customer problems, expand the business, and reach new markets through trade shows, website, and agency approvals, with plans to attend a trade show in Abu Dhabi for product insights, while running a business involves both enjoyable and less enjoyable tasks.
The company has experienced organic growth through its strong application engineering department, allowing them to solve various customer problems and expand their business.
We utilize trade shows, our website, and agency approvals to expand our market reach, with upcoming plans to attend a trade show in Abu Dhabi, and I will personally be attending to gain insight into how our products are used.
Running your own business allows you to do enjoyable tasks, even though there may be some less enjoyable tasks as well.
20:52 Lean manufacturing is crucial for efficiency in a solenoid valve manufacturing business, involving work cell adaptability, single piece flow, and involving vendors and customers, resulting in shorter lead times.
Peter Paul focuses on lean manufacturing to improve efficiency in their vertically integrated solenoid valve manufacturing business, which involves producing a wide range of parts and product combinations to solve external problems.
Efficiency is crucial in a high mix, low volume business, and applying lean principles, such as work cell adaptability, single piece flow, and involving vendors and customers in lean practices, can help achieve this.
Implementing the lean approach has been a continuous journey for the speaker, and while some customers and vendors readily embrace it, others require teaching and guidance on managing the flow and processes.
Lean manufacturing allows for shorter lead times by implementing a system where materials are readily available and can be triggered for delivery at any time, resulting in travel time being the main factor in determining the overall lead time.
25:28 Peter Paul has faced challenges in modernizing their manufacturing processes, but they have been investing in modernization since the mid-2000s, and their future involves the fourth generation taking over the business.
The company has faced challenges in modernizing their manufacturing processes and equipment, particularly in transitioning from old batch-oriented equipment to newer, more efficient machines, but they have been investing in modernization since the mid-2000s.
In the early 70s, the speaker's grandfather decided to move coil production to Puerto Rico due to the facility being too small, and the decision was influenced by tax incentives and the familiarity of the location.
The facility in Connecticut manufactures coils and other components for solenoid valves, while the facility in another location primarily produces coil injection mold bobbins, wine coils, and also conducts metal stamping and elastomer molding operations to support the business in Connecticut.
The future of Peter Paul involves the fourth generation, with some already pursuing medical careers and others potentially entering business school.
30:43 Understanding and overcoming fear is crucial for success; the speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing communication and succession challenges in a multi-generational family business by bringing in professional help.
If not the president of Peter Paul, I would enjoy doing something related to travel and exploring different sites, like my upcoming trip to Abu Dhabi.
Understanding and overcoming fear is crucial for success in both personal and professional life.
Focusing on the technical side of things was easy, but realizing the importance of the people aspect earlier in my career would have been helpful, and eventually, after my uncle passed away, I took on a leadership role in the engineering department at Peter Paul.
The speaker discusses the need to bring in professional help, specifically a clinical psychologist specializing in family business, to formalize the governance structure and address communication and succession challenges within a multi-generational family business.
36:02 Understanding and empathizing with others is crucial for effective problem-solving in business and management teams, while building a strong manufacturing community is valuable.
Understanding and empathizing with others' thoughts and needs is important for effective communication and problem-solving in business and management teams.
Learning to find common ground and building a strong manufacturing community is valuable and worth the effort.
