SIDNEY — A & B Machine and Design, located at 2040 Commerce Drive in Sidney, is a high-volume, precision machining component and rapid prototype manufacturer, specializing in complete manufacturing solutions.

“We are excited to announce the internal promotion of Will Cole to vice president of operations. He was recently our operations manager,” said A & B Machine president Marc Gilardi. “His career with A & B began in 2010 in a very specific role to increase our precision assembly skills for a client involving an innovative new assembly machine for a consumer product manufacturing process. Will’s success with this project meant adding two shifts to keep up with production, along with new Okuma horizontal and vertical machining centers.”

Not one to rest on his laurels, Cole continued to request other challenging experiences including machine set-up for precision machined components, material procurement and saw cutting skills. In 2016, a client asked A & B Machine to produce prototypes, custom tooling, production development and work holding fixtures for a new product. Again, Cole was part of the solution, adding a third shift to meet production, the purchase of two 5-axis Brother computer numerical control (CNC) machining centers, as well as a 5-axis coordinate-measurement machine (CMM) and an additional horizontal machining center.

With all the additional work in the shop, the search began for an operations manager. Cole applied and obtained the position in 2016. During his tenure in this position, Cole was instrumental in manufacturing solutions for two new components for mass production for this client resulting in increased capacity and labor plans for nonstop operations. These efforts made A & B Machine the number one supplier for their client.

As Cole moves into his new position, effective December 2021, his new roles and responsibilities will include overseeing all plant operations, executing the A & B Machine business plan, managing all customer open orders and reports, collaborating with company leadership to develop goals and strategies, developing and managing annual safety, quality, delivery, cost and company culture initiatives, as well as maintaining an annual operating budget.

For more information about A & B Machine and Design, visit aandbmachine.com.