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the best is a moving target
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President’s Blog: “THE BEST” is a Moving Target

 by Tom Musschoot,

At General Kinematics, we constantly are pushing the limit of what vibratory technology can do. Whether it’s applying vibration in a process where it never has been used before or pushing the limit on size and capacity, we strive to create the best vibratory equipment available in the world. That being said, in order to be the best, we have to constantly move the target of what is considered the best, all while not sacrificing the core fundamentals that are the base of what we do.

To be better and create a better product, you have to consistently be better at the basics. Excellent customer focus, attention to detail, and exceptional quality are just a few things that are expected today in the market. Being easy to do business with is essential as a base of building a successful business and brand. But how do you move the ball forward to be better than your competition?

 

One way is to never accept the status quo. Just because you have done something for years doesn’t mean it is still the right way to do it. Looking at each opportunity with an open mind for innovation is what leads to breakthroughs that set you apart from others.

Another way to reach the target is to create something that is easy to use. In the age where plant engineering departments are shrinking and budgets are tight, machines have to be designed for a “set it and forget it” environment. Complicated designs, poor engineering, or labor intensive maintenance procedures create frustration for operators whose primary job is to produce. Dependability is key.

 

Third, and most importantly, is to do something that nobody else can do. A great recent example that comes to mind at General Kinematics can be found in our STM-SCREEN™ high capacity screening equipment. For years, vibratory screen manufacturers haven’t been able to crack the 5-meter wide mark, but when GK was asked to figure it out, we completed the challenge in a matter of months. Being able to create “game changers” like this instantly differentiates you from the rest of the pack.

Whether it’s simple things like excelling at the basics, or it is creating solutions to problems that nobody else can, achieving the target of being the “best” is never easy. It takes a great team, a lot of hard work, and consistent innovative thinking. When you put those three together, you create an exciting company to work for and work with.

Tom Musschoot

President

Tom Musschoot joined General Kinematics full time in 1999 holding the titles of Director of Marketing and VP of North American Sales & Marketing to name a few before assuming the office of the President. Tom received a BA in Music from Bradley University before completing his MBA at Webster University. Tom has 5 patents in his name, spearheading the rotary product line for GK. When Tom is not in the office he can be found watching hockey, working on cars, or driving his kids to their sporting events and cheering them on.