b'MEMBER SPOTLIGHTTufts Grinding, Inc.TELL US A BIT ABOUTdirectly from the company, which YOUR HISTORY is then processed according to their Tufts Grinding, Inc. was establisheddesired specifications and due dates. in 1983 by two brothers, Don and ArtToday, the company is run by Tufts. They began their operations inthe second generation, Bryan and a small shop on State Street in SouthDan Tufts, Dons sons, and has Chicago Heights, with only onegrown to multiple shifts that run employee.Being Illinois nativesandup to six days a week. They offer with their parents residing just a fewmany different products, stocking miles away, theyunderstood the areaprograms, and electronic infor-well.They chose this location due tomation-sharing to their customers its affordability, well-built roadways,across North America. Our focus is and supporting infrastructure, mak- on producing high-quality products, Christopher Tuftsing it the ideal spot for establishingand we achieve this by striving to be Director of Analyticsa world-class company with a team and Innovation their business. of dedicated employees committed Until 1996, the business did onlyto ensuring customer satisfaction conversion work; their customersand management, emphasizing the sent them their steel, and the com- well-being of employees, and foster-pany would process it according toing a work environment that pro-their specifications. In 1996, Tuftsmotes growth and success. Thanks to Grinding began selling steel, allow- this unwavering focus, our company ing their customers to purchase steelhas experienced significant growth, and we are proud to have many employees who have been part of our team for over a decade, some for even 30 years, Christopher Tufts, Director of Analytics and Innovation says.HOWS BUSINESS?Like most manufacturing, things are currently slower than they were a couple of years ago. We are in a highly cyclical industry and are accustomed to these swings. In the meantime, were staying proactive and focused on taking advantage of the unique opportunities presented at different times in the business cycle, Christopher says. For example, their sales team is working to capture new Chris Tufts, Bryan Tufts, Dan Tufts, Don Tufts and Art Tufts market share while other depart-6ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER'