MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
DCA Manufacturing, Inc., Cumberland
Grand Prize - Emerging Company Category
Few startup companies embrace the entrepreneurial spirit reflected by dca manufacturing, inc. The Cumberland electronic manufacturing services company was established in 1993 by an owner willing to dip into personal savings and IRA accounts to finance its start-up. Profitable since 1995, the firm posted overall sales of its high-tech components reaching $2.6 million in 1998.
Much of dca manufacturing inc.'s success has been credited to its workforce culture. The 34 employees operate in a manufacturing atmosphere strengthened by self-directed teams, absent of traditional layers of management. Team leaders are selected by team members to coordinate communication between production and administrative teams. Flexible schedules allow employees to balance personal needs with work activities, and help contribute to an employee ownership that enhances workforce productivity, retention and recruitment.
Positioned in a dynamic growth market, dca manufacturing, inc. has invested $350,000 in new equipment over the past three years. This commitment to advancing technologies has allowed the company to continue expanding a customer base that outsources electronic assembly of products, including security and communication products, industrial controls, computers and medical devices. The employee ownership philosophy has generated a beneficial customer commitment attitude, and the company is in the process of implementing a Value Added Manufacturing program.
dca manufacturing, inc. has already developed a history of sharing its success with employees and the community. The workforce shares in the company's growth through an innovative bonus plan that returns 10 percent of all company profits to the employees. The manufacturer has made several financial contributions to higher education institutions, donated equipment and services to disadvantaged area students, and works closely with an adult development center to offer opportunities to physically challenged workers.
