Stihl, a family-owned manufacturer of chain saws and other lawn and garden equipment, continues to expand its Virginia Beach, VA, plant, the only one in the United States. Over the years, production has doubled and is still growing.

The plant switched to Mastercam CAD/CAM software from CNC Software (Tolland, CT) for its machining three years ago. Productivity has since doubled, says Tool Room Supervisor Todd Blanton.

According to Blanton, Stihl also chose to adopt Mastercam’s Certification Program. Originally meant to create a benchmark for technical schools and other academic programs, the certification could be tailored to Stihl’s requirements to meet internal quality standards and further its commitment to ongoing workforce training.

The first step was training and trainer certification from Mastercam’s Educational Division. The program includes a detailed curriculum that gives students a comprehensive understanding of machining and programming, from how a computer works to how a toolpath is made.

Stihl already had an apprentice program, and ten people were chosen for the certification program. They began taking classes at the plant in August, and finished training in December. In February, nine out of ten students received certification after a test. Students also received college credit from Tidewater Community College.

“We like to train our own employees right here,” says Blanton. “We have our own systems in place.”

One employee who took the class summed up the benefits. “Everyone who took the class is pretty fluent now,” he says. “They can analyze and think for themselves.” Circle 280

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