Fastenerblog.net

TS:  OK, let’s address the elephant in the room.  “Washer Werks”, not “Washer Works”.  Where did that come from?  How did you guys decide to use that spelling?

Mike Neumann (MN):  Back in 1994 when my father and I started the company we wanted to promote the Made in USA concept.  Obviously, that is where the All American comes from.  We also,  being of German heritage,  liked the idea of adding a German spelling of the English word Works which is Werks.  

TS:  Let’s circle back to a proper starting point.  Mike Neumann, you run All American Washer Werks, a stamper and manufacturer of special washers.  How long have you been with All American and how did you get started there?

MN:    I’ve been here since the beginning.   My Father Fred, and I started the company in 1995 getting back to what we knew best, and that was manufacturing  washers and specialty stampings.

TS:  Tell us about AAWW.  What are the primary products that you specialize in?  MN:  AAWW is a manufacturer of washers and stampings and we are ISO 9001:2015 certified.  Our market niche is primarily in the specialty washer segment.  Which begs the question:  How do you define specialty washer? Most people in the fastener industry know what standard washers are.  You know the USS and SAE variety.  For the most part, these come from off shore sources.  These usually are offered with standard materials and finishes.  But, there are engineering applications that require non-standard materials and finishes and that is where AAWW comes in.  And it’s not just the difference in materials and finishes that make a specialty washer.  Often, an engineering application requires different OD, ID, and thickness combinations that are not offered off the shelf. AAWW has a full service,  on site tooling department that supports the manufacture of specialty washers and stampings.  We carry Millions of Pounds of Raw Material as well as a large inventory of finished goods.   This combination of manufacturing ability and inventory gives AAWW the ability to deliver products in a timely and cost effective manner.  

TS:  How is the washer marketplace these days?  Or, for that matter, how do you see the fastener marketplace?  Have you been staying busy or have you seen things slow down at all?  

MN:  The first half of the year was very busy.  So far in Q3 business has been a bit less brisk.  It definitely has slowed down from Q1 and Q2 but is still moving along.  A lot of people correlate this to being an election year.  Normally, I would just say that is an excuse. However, this time around I’m not sure.  I guess we will find out soon.  

TS:  There are a couple topics that come up a lot when speaking to domestic manufacturers.  The first one is regarding the labor talent available to operate the equipment.  That always seems to be a challenge and quite possibly will be a bigger challenge in upcoming years.  The other topic is competing with import product.  Sometimes the product has to be made in the USA or maybe the quantities are too small to import.   I guess I am not asking you a question specifically but I would be curious to hear your thoughts on both topics.

MN:  Yes, of course.  AAWW has been very blessed in having employees that have been here 20 years or more.  We utilize their experience to train the next generation that ensures continuity in our manufacturing process.  We have been competing in this marketplace since our beginning.  We seem to fit into the supply chain quite well.  

TS:  Are there certain markets where you are particularly strong?  

MN:  Fortunately, our products go into many different markets and AAWW isn’t interested in focusing on any one market.  Our customer base is very diversified including Agriculture Industry, Automotive, Military, Lawn and Garden, Construction, Appliance and HVAC, Energy, Aerospace, Heavy Truck, Small Engine and many others.  

TS:  What does the future look like for AAWW?  MN:  The future’s so Bright…. We all wear shades 😊 We are coming up on 30 years in business in 2025 and looking back I would say that we have done a great job.  Looking in the next 30 years… wow.  Starting a business is such a challenge and growing a business is also such a challenge.  AAWW is equipped to move forward.  We have so much young talent coming up and taking their place in the business.  Much like when my Dad and I started the company.  He was the wise one that guided and knew how to run a business.  I was the one that provided the energy and new ideas to get AAWW off the ground.  I am very proud of the people working at AAWW and know that we keep providing a great product with a great reputation.     TS:  What does Mike Neumann like to do when he isn’t making washers? Over the years so much of my time has been devoted to AAWW, but lately, I have decided to take a little more time for my family and myself.  Recently, I am blessed to be a grandfather to a new granddaughter Clara, and a new grandson Azaia.  So, I am taking more time to be with them and the rest of my family.  I am also playing a few more rounds of golf, the boat captain for the Neumann water ski team, and am planning a snow ski trip out west.

Note from TS:

I have a regular column in Fastener Technology International (FTI) magazine, called 10 Minutes with the Traveling Salesman, which can be read online at www.fastenertech.com. Subscriptions to FTI, print and digital editions, are free-of-charge for fastener manufacturers, distributors and users as well as suppliers to the industry.”