Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— After starting as a company to fill a niche in school transportation, Collins Bus has grown and endured as one of the nation's leading small bus manufacturers.&nbsp;

Founded by Don Collins Sr. as E-CON-O Conversion in Kansas, the company built the first Type A School Bus. Five years later the company moved to Hutchinson as Collins Industry. Through the 1980’s Collins quickly became the leader in small special needs transportation.

There are many steps to building a school bus. It all starts with the materials. They are housed in a pre-assembly area. The parts are made to order and shaped, including the steel skin of the bus. 

Giant mechanical punches cut through the steel skin and bend it into shape. At the same time the inner assembly is being put together as welders assemble the steel roll cages and roof. 

The skin is both riveted and glued into place with a strong adhesive.&nbsp;

A third area is preparing the chassis for final assembly. The parts all converge on an assembly line where the skin and the cage are brought together. 

The assembly is painted to color and all of the internal parts are placed inside the vehicle body including seats, windows and mechanical components and fixtures. 

Once all of that is finished, the entire body assembly is lifted onto the chassis.&nbsp;

Once that is finished, the product goes through a number of quality control steps and the finishing touches are put on the bus such as decals, an undercoating to protect the chassis and any remaining touches that are unique to that order.&nbsp;

Collins has been able to adapt to the changing needs of its industry, including E-buses, propane powered vehicles and even emergency vehicles for a time. 

The plant also has continued following a purchase by REV Group in 2006. Collins has become the largest chassis inventory of Type A bus products.

Collins is still looking for assembly and skilled workers and the hope is that they can increase workforce numbers and keep assembly moving forward.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665171952069.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.ROD ZOOK Hutch Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172216404.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.— After starting as a company to fill a niche in school transportation, Collins Bus has grown and endured as one of the nation's leading small bus manufacturers.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172187404.jpeg" alt="One of the first type A buses that eventually became&nbsp; commonplace for Collins Industries." />
 <figcaption>One of the first type A buses that eventually became&nbsp; commonplace for Collins Industries.</figcaption>
 </figure>Founded by Don Collins Sr. as E-CON-O Conversion in Kansas, the company built the first Type A School Bus. Five years later the company moved to Hutchinson as Collins Industry. Through the 1980’s Collins quickly became the leader in small special needs transportation.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/ld3Lt1qJ-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Collins Bus" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>There are many steps to building a school bus. It all starts with the materials. They are housed in a pre-assembly area. The parts are made to order and shaped, including the steel skin of the bus. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172257908.jpeg" alt="Assembly begins with steel components and the steel skin that will make up the body of the bus." />
 <figcaption>Assembly begins with steel components and the steel skin that will make up the body of the bus.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172270412.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Giant mechanical punches cut through the steel skin and bend it into shape. At the same time the inner assembly is being put together as welders assemble the steel roll cages and roof. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172333956.jpeg" alt="Welders assemble the roll cages that form the body of the bus. The cage must meet standards for safety.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Welders assemble the roll cages that form the body of the bus. The cage must meet standards for safety.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The skin is both riveted and glued into place with a strong adhesive.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172300548.jpeg" alt="While the cage is being assembled the skin that makes out the exterior of the bus is shaped and cut to specifications. A giant punch places the rivet holes and other openings that parts and pieces will fit into on final assembly." />
 <figcaption>While the cage is being assembled the skin that makes out the exterior of the bus is shaped and cut to specifications. A giant punch places the rivet holes and other openings that parts and pieces will fit into on final assembly.</figcaption>
 </figure>A third area is preparing the chassis for final assembly. The parts all converge on an assembly line where the skin and the cage are brought together. The assembly is painted to color and all of the internal parts are placed inside the vehicle body including seats, windows and mechanical components and fixtures. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172871336.jpeg" alt="The shell of the bus makes its way through the paint booth. Once it makes the trip the paint is fully cured and ready for final assembly." />
 <figcaption>The shell of the bus makes its way through the paint booth. Once it makes the trip the paint is fully cured and ready for final assembly.</figcaption>
 </figure>Once all of that is finished, the entire body assembly is lifted onto the chassis.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172726265.jpeg" alt="The cages make their way down the assembly line where the outer skin of the bus is attached." />
 <figcaption>The cages make their way down the assembly line where the outer skin of the bus is attached.</figcaption>
 </figure>Once that is finished, the product goes through a number of quality control steps and the finishing touches are put on the bus such as decals, an undercoating to protect the chassis and any remaining touches that are unique to that order.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172749240.jpeg" alt="After all of the components are assembled and the body is mounted to the chassis, the final assembly takes place. This is where decals, lights and other fixtures are put in place. The chassis is also undercoated to protect the underside of the vehicle." />
 <figcaption>After all of the components are assembled and the body is mounted to the chassis, the final assembly takes place. This is where decals, lights and other fixtures are put in place. The chassis is also undercoated to protect the underside of the vehicle.</figcaption>
 </figure>Collins has been able to adapt to the changing needs of its industry, including E-buses, propane powered vehicles and even emergency vehicles for a time. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172776456.jpeg" alt="The undercoat is applied. This helps both in corrosion protection and provides a quieter ride." />
 <figcaption>The undercoat is applied. This helps both in corrosion protection and provides a quieter ride.</figcaption>
 </figure>The plant also has continued following a purchase by REV Group in 2006. Collins has become the largest chassis inventory of Type A bus products.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172815240.jpeg" alt="The bus goes through its last check pint before being shipped to its customer." />
 <figcaption>The bus goes through its last check pint before being shipped to its customer.</figcaption>
 </figure>Collins is still looking for assembly and skilled workers and the hope is that they can increase workforce numbers and keep assembly moving forward.&nbsp;

A Day In The Life: Collins Bus

Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of the more popular and unique small airplanes is the Cirrus. 

The small, single-engine airplane became a news headline when it became the first aircraft to sport its own parachute, which can bring the aircraft down if it becomes disabled and can’t glide or fly.

In Hutchinson, Wells Aircraft, Inc., is the area service center for the Cirrus as well as the service provider for the Hutchinson Airport.&nbsp;

Wells has been in business for more than 70 years in Hutchinson. There is a second location in Branson West, Missouri.&nbsp;

Wells also provides service for pilots, including a lounge and meeting room, while their clients are doing business in the area. 

That includes fueling and taking care of the aircraft. 

It also includes a contract with the military for fueling aircraft, including the numerous Army helicopters you see at the airport from time to time. The company also provides charter service if you have a trip for business or pleasure.&nbsp;

But it is the service and maintenance where Wells Aircraft excels. The company is the only Authorized Cirrus Service Center in the state of Kansas. Since 2008, Wells Aircraft has worked exclusively on Cirrus aircraft.

The service center is also stocked with genuine Cirrus parts provided directly from the factory. The company has an adjacent hangar to store aircraft out of the elements if needed.

The company also believes in taking care of its passengers and pilots with courtesy cars for short trips and catering for small groups. 

Pilots also have access to clean restrooms, a comfortable pilots lounge, wireless internet, fresh coffee, water, and a flight planning station equipped with a weather computer for any flight planning needs.

A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669533548124.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of the more popular and unique small airplanes is the Cirrus. <div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/1um4ZEeI-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Wells" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The small, single-engine airplane became a news headline when it became the first aircraft to sport its own parachute, which can bring the aircraft down if it becomes disabled and can’t glide or fly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665148480296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Hutchinson, Wells Aircraft, Inc., is the area service center for the Cirrus as well as the service provider for the Hutchinson Airport.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665152906259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wells has been in business for more than 70 years in Hutchinson. There is a second location in Branson West, Missouri.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665148830093.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wells also provides service for pilots, including a lounge and meeting room, while their clients are doing business in the area. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665153085466.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>That includes fueling and taking care of the aircraft. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665148906045.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It also includes a contract with the military for fueling aircraft, including the numerous Army helicopters you see at the airport from time to time. The company also provides charter service if you have a trip for business or pleasure.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665149068884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But it is the service and maintenance where Wells Aircraft excels. The company is the only Authorized Cirrus Service Center in the state of Kansas. Since 2008, Wells Aircraft has worked exclusively on Cirrus aircraft.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665152831891.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The service center is also stocked with genuine Cirrus parts provided directly from the factory. The company has an adjacent hangar to store aircraft out of the elements if needed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665152934947.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The company also believes in taking care of its passengers and pilots with courtesy cars for short trips and catering for small groups. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665152874651.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pilots also have access to clean restrooms, a comfortable pilots lounge, wireless internet, fresh coffee, water, and a flight planning station equipped with a weather computer for any flight planning needs.A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎥 A Day In The Life: Wells Aircraft

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson is known for its salt production and the Hutchinson Salt Mine has been a part of Hutchinson for many years. As the mine expanded and progressed, it provided a unique opportunity for a group of Wichita businessmen who saw a need for secure areas to store records and other data. The result was Underground Vaults and Storage, which is now known as UV&amp;S.

For more than 60 years, UV&amp;S has operated as a service-oriented records storage company, adding new services through the years to meet client’s needs. 

The company provides all services required when using offsite storage for paper and media, multiple IT services, secure shredding, and event services.

The storage area occupied by UV&amp;S, 650 feet underground, is enormous, covering 3.5 million square feet. 

Some of the vaults are nearly the length of a football field. The area has everything from movie and television show film, to data cards from computers, to paper documents of nearly everything you can imagine.

The area is perfect for storage as it is a constant 68 degrees with little, if any, environmental impact. The area also provides special storage for things that need to be kept cooler than the mine's own set temperature.

One area also houses a large amount of geophysical and seismic data from the oil exploration industry. 

The company also does digital, film and document restoration and recording to other forms as needed. The company also does document and hard drive destruction.

One of the unique things workers face during the day is a complete detachment from the outside world. It may snow, rain, storm or something else and the workers are completely shielded from that for the entire workday with a few exceptions. 

The other unique aspect of UV&amp;S is that it operates right next to the working salt mine. The main elevator lifts for the mine operate just on the other side of a plastic curtain where five-ton buckets of salt are lifted out of the mine.

UV&amp;S was incorporated on June 11, 1959. Numerous sights nationwide were evaluated, then the salt mine was selected. Factors including, but not limited to, the geographically-central site, the security and environment inherent in a mine 650 feet below the earth’s surface, and the unlimited space this active mine could provide for expansion and business development made it their first choice. 

Known in the industry as an early entrant in the offsite records management field, UV&amp;S is still a privately-owned-and-operated company. Many of the original families continue in the management and direction of the company.

Over the years, the company has expanded to other sites including the mines in Kansas City, Louisville, Oklahoma City and even the UK.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085112560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668458463578.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson is known for its salt production and the Hutchinson Salt Mine has been a part of Hutchinson for many years. As the mine expanded and progressed, it provided a unique opportunity for a group of Wichita businessmen who saw a need for secure areas to store records and other data. The result was Underground Vaults and Storage, which is now known as UV&amp;S.For more than 60 years, UV&amp;S has operated as a service-oriented records storage company, adding new services through the years to meet client’s needs. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085520245.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The company provides all services required when using offsite storage for paper and media, multiple IT services, secure shredding, and event services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085185143.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The storage area occupied by UV&amp;S, 650 feet underground, is enormous, covering 3.5 million square feet. <div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/S9qqrRNQ-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Underground Storage" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Some of the vaults are nearly the length of a football field. The area has everything from movie and television show film, to data cards from computers, to paper documents of nearly everything you can imagine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085139056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The area is perfect for storage as it is a constant 68 degrees with little, if any, environmental impact. The area also provides special storage for things that need to be kept cooler than the mine's own set temperature.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085410398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>One area also houses a large amount of geophysical and seismic data from the oil exploration industry. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085311495.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The company also does digital, film and document restoration and recording to other forms as needed. The company also does document and hard drive destruction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085332102.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>One of the unique things workers face during the day is a complete detachment from the outside world. It may snow, rain, storm or something else and the workers are completely shielded from that for the entire workday with a few exceptions. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085444214.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The other unique aspect of UV&amp;S is that it operates right next to the working salt mine. The main elevator lifts for the mine operate just on the other side of a plastic curtain where five-ton buckets of salt are lifted out of the mine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085362438.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UV&amp;S was incorporated on June 11, 1959. Numerous sights nationwide were evaluated, then the salt mine was selected. Factors including, but not limited to, the geographically-central site, the security and environment inherent in a mine 650 feet below the earth’s surface, and the unlimited space this active mine could provide for expansion and business development made it their first choice. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665085489766.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Known in the industry as an early entrant in the offsite records management field, UV&amp;S is still a privately-owned-and-operated company. Many of the original families continue in the management and direction of the company.Over the years, the company has expanded to other sites including the mines in Kansas City, Louisville, Oklahoma City and even the UK.&nbsp; A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎥 A Day In The Life: UV&S

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Woodwork Mfg. Co., Inc was founded in 1925, incorporated by H.A. Nichols, B.F. Nichols, H.L. Steed and W.E. Kissick at 4 S. Walnut in Hutchinson, just across from the Jess E. Liston Tire Company.

The Company motto was: “If it can be made of wood, we can do it.”&nbsp;

The company operated as a planning mill and did custom millwork of all types, including the manufacture of all the wood items in the J.S. Dillon stores, which at the time included all of the wall display shelving, island shelving, check stands, water spray produce counters, wood interior décor, etc.

In 2015, E. Jay Schrock decided it was time to hand over the reins of the company to his two children, Jeff P. Schrock and Teresa J. Schrock-Wagner. On March 31, 2016, after dedicating the last 56 years of his life to Woodwork Mfg. &amp; Supply, E. Jay Schrock officially retired as president. He still serves on the Board of Directors and his leadership will forever be an important part of the Woodwork legacy.

Woodwork manufactures moldings, doors, windows, stair systems and just about any type of custom work needed, whether it be small or large. Moldings and doors are a major component of Woodwork Mfg. 

The company can make wood or metal door frames and moldings to trim projects. One of the more unique aspects of Woodwork is its ability to match any type of molding, whether it be a new design or something more than 100 years old.

The company manufactures its own cutting tools that are designed out of plexiglass. That jig is placed into a machine. A knife is made to match and used to cut the new molding. This also allows the company to match anything new or old. The company can also match any type of finish a customer may have, even if it is a small project.

It’s one of the major advantages Woodwork has over other companies. Small and large contractors can take advantage of custom work.&nbsp;

Woodwork stores its unfinished product on-site. The wood is prime rated and is inspected in an indoor storage area before it is moved to a particular area, depending on when it will be used. 

Once a production run is ready, machines are set up to mill the lumber for its intended use, whether it be trim molding or a frame for doors. The company can even design stair railings.

Once the moldings or trim are cut, they are assembled for their intended use and then finished. 

If a contractor needs to match an existing color for a home renovation project, the company will mix up a sample and keep working until it matches what the contractor is looking for. Products are then moved to a loading area where they are placed onto trucks, and shipped to stores and contractors in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska and Colorado.&nbsp;

For more than 90 years, Woodwork Mfg. &amp; Supply, Inc. has been a fixture in the Hutchinson Business Community and is proud of the many dedicated employees that have been a part of providing quality wood products for homes and buildings all across the state of Kansas and, today, as far away as the Hawaiian Islands.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666999249349.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664914396081.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Woodwork Mfg. Co., Inc was founded in 1925, incorporated by H.A. Nichols, B.F. Nichols, H.L. Steed and W.E. Kissick at 4 S. Walnut in Hutchinson, just across from the Jess E. Liston Tire Company.The Company motto was: “If it can be made of wood, we can do it.”&nbsp;<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/4YP7LDrn-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Woodworking Mfg " style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The company operated as a planning mill and did custom millwork of all types, including the manufacture of all the wood items in the J.S. Dillon stores, which at the time included all of the wall display shelving, island shelving, check stands, water spray produce counters, wood interior décor, etc.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664826873735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In 2015, E. Jay Schrock decided it was time to hand over the reins of the company to his two children, Jeff P. Schrock and Teresa J. Schrock-Wagner. On March 31, 2016, after dedicating the last 56 years of his life to Woodwork Mfg. &amp; Supply, E. Jay Schrock officially retired as president. He still serves on the Board of Directors and his leadership will forever be an important part of the Woodwork legacy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664827117453.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Woodwork manufactures moldings, doors, windows, stair systems and just about any type of custom work needed, whether it be small or large. Moldings and doors are a major component of Woodwork Mfg. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664827142517.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The company can make wood or metal door frames and moldings to trim projects. One of the more unique aspects of Woodwork is its ability to match any type of molding, whether it be a new design or something more than 100 years old.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664826904719.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The company manufactures its own cutting tools that are designed out of plexiglass. That jig is placed into a machine. A knife is made to match and used to cut the new molding. This also allows the company to match anything new or old. The company can also match any type of finish a customer may have, even if it is a small project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664826927079.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It’s one of the major advantages Woodwork has over other companies. Small and large contractors can take advantage of custom work.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664826947135.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Woodwork stores its unfinished product on-site. The wood is prime rated and is inspected in an indoor storage area before it is moved to a particular area, depending on when it will be used. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664826976863.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664827001006.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Once a production run is ready, machines are set up to mill the lumber for its intended use, whether it be trim molding or a frame for doors. The company can even design stair railings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664827323188.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Once the moldings or trim are cut, they are assembled for their intended use and then finished. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664827227293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If a contractor needs to match an existing color for a home renovation project, the company will mix up a sample and keep working until it matches what the contractor is looking for. Products are then moved to a loading area where they are placed onto trucks, and shipped to stores and contractors in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska and Colorado.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664827251757.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For more than 90 years, Woodwork Mfg. &amp; Supply, Inc. has been a fixture in the Hutchinson Business Community and is proud of the many dedicated employees that have been a part of providing quality wood products for homes and buildings all across the state of Kansas and, today, as far away as the Hawaiian Islands.&nbsp;A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🎥 A Day In The Life: Woodwork Manufacturing & Supply

HAVEN, Kan. — Haven Steel Products began construction of its production facility in 1968 and has been a privately-owned company producing spring steel components since 1969. 

The company fabricates and heat treats tillage components for the agricultural industry, landscaping and mowing components for the construction industry, and leaf springs for the trailer industry.

The plant’s heat-treat processing capacity includes five continuous process quench and temper heat-treat lines. Part fabrication is accomplished using highly-accurate CNC machine technology, rapid-heat natural gas furnaces, and electric induction heating processes.

The original building started with 7,000 square feet of space and has now grown to 200,000 square feet. The plant heat treats various components, shapes them and then powder coats or paints them to order. 

Nearly all of the steel used by Haven Steel comes from the U.S. The steel is shipped in by truck and the company usually takes in two truck loads per day. The work is non-stop at the facility as crews work six days a week. Three shifts are needed to keep up with demand. The company runs 24-7.

The company has been able to expand and bring more robotic equipment online to keep up with the busy schedule. The machine is computer controlled and heats shapes and cools the parts in one contained area.

The company ships to Canada, Mexico, England and South America, along with many areas of the United States. The company recently purchased a similar facility in McKenzie, Tennessee.

Over the past two years, the company has grown its footprint by expanding its capabilities to new levels and new industries.&nbsp;

Quality control is needed to make sure the parts fit a customer's needs. A set of jigs is used to measure parts.&nbsp;Backup Documentation is kept for at least three years on all steel and processes performed by Haven Steel. Third-party certified calibration companies also provide certification and calibration to ensure accurate quality evaluations.

Once the parts are made, they are brought into a special booth where they are powder coated. You can get any color you want as long as it's black. The powder coating is a two-step process where a part is blasted with tiny beads to remove dirt and loose particles before the powder coating is applied.

While some similar companies mill their tillage and cutting blades into shape, Haven Steel uses a process that presses the cutting edge into the part. The company feels that it makes the edge more durable.&nbsp;

The company's products are shipped to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) throughout the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, England, and South America. Customers include major OEMs and many short-line manufacturers of products and equipment.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665089679990.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664806349310.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHAVEN, Kan. — Haven Steel Products began construction of its production facility in 1968 and has been a privately-owned company producing spring steel components since 1969. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664806577220.jpeg" alt="A gantry crane is part of the original 7,000-square-foot facility that opened in 1969. Today, the facility spans 200,000 square feet." />
 <figcaption>A gantry crane is part of the original 7,000-square-foot facility that opened in 1969. Today, the facility spans 200,000 square feet.</figcaption>
 </figure>The company fabricates and heat treats tillage components for the agricultural industry, landscaping and mowing components for the construction industry, and leaf springs for the trailer industry.The plant’s heat-treat processing capacity includes five continuous process quench and temper heat-treat lines. Part fabrication is accomplished using highly-accurate CNC machine technology, rapid-heat natural gas furnaces, and electric induction heating processes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664806728331.jpeg" alt="A steel component is brought out of an oven and pressed into shape." />
 <figcaption>A steel component is brought out of an oven and pressed into shape.</figcaption>
 </figure>The original building started with 7,000 square feet of space and has now grown to 200,000 square feet. The plant heat treats various components, shapes them and then powder coats or paints them to order. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664807051097.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nearly all of the steel used by Haven Steel comes from the U.S. The steel is shipped in by truck and the company usually takes in two truck loads per day. The work is non-stop at the facility as crews work six days a week. Three shifts are needed to keep up with demand. The company runs 24-7.The company has been able to expand and bring more robotic equipment online to keep up with the busy schedule. The machine is computer controlled and heats shapes and cools the parts in one contained area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664807178904.jpeg" alt="Part of Haven Steel's expansion includes a new robotic facility that can heat press and cool a part in one self-contained area. The system is computer controlled." />
 <figcaption>Part of Haven Steel's expansion includes a new robotic facility that can heat press and cool a part in one self-contained area. The system is computer controlled.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664807197024.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The company ships to Canada, Mexico, England and South America, along with many areas of the United States. The company recently purchased a similar facility in McKenzie, Tennessee.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664808088898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Over the past two years, the company has grown its footprint by expanding its capabilities to new levels and new industries.&nbsp;<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Aug 04 2022 10:22:50 GMT-0500 (CDT)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Haven Steel"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H2M27S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/B4pxyE47-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/B4pxyE47-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/B4pxyE47-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Haven Steel" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664807256551.jpeg" alt="A set of jigs is available to measure each part manufactured. The parts are continuously monitored to make sure they fall within the tolerance needed by each customer." />
 <figcaption>A set of jigs is available to measure each part manufactured. The parts are continuously monitored to make sure they fall within the tolerance needed by each customer.</figcaption>
 </figure>Quality control is needed to make sure the parts fit a customer's needs. A set of jigs is used to measure parts.&nbsp;Backup Documentation is kept for at least three years on all steel and processes performed by Haven Steel. Third-party certified calibration companies also provide certification and calibration to ensure accurate quality evaluations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664807704229.jpeg" alt="Each part is treated to remove dirt before it is powder coated in a special oven." />
 <figcaption>Each part is treated to remove dirt before it is powder coated in a special oven.</figcaption>
 </figure>Once the parts are made, they are brought into a special booth where they are powder coated. You can get any color you want as long as it's black. The powder coating is a two-step process where a part is blasted with tiny beads to remove dirt and loose particles before the powder coating is applied.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664807722869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While some similar companies mill their tillage and cutting blades into shape, Haven Steel uses a process that presses the cutting edge into the part. The company feels that it makes the edge more durable.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664808042707.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The company's products are shipped to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) throughout the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, England, and South America. Customers include major OEMs and many short-line manufacturers of products and equipment.A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;

🎥A Day in the Life: Haven Steel

🎥 A Day in the Life: Sleep Haven

Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Superior Boiler has been a part of Hutchinson for more than 100 years. The company started as a welding shop and quickly grew to the company it is today. The company just completed a major expansion last year with the relocation of its watertube boiler facility from Richmond, Virginia, to Hutchinson.

The company manufactures industrial watertube and flextube boilers, scotch marine and vertical firetube boilers for process steam, hot water and waste heat recovery, and high-efficiency hot water condensing boilers. In addition to boilers, Superior Boiler also manufactures boiler room equipment items and parts, and provides 24-hour service. Superior Boiler employs approximately 150 people at its Hutchinson locations.&nbsp;

The company is in a unique situation compared to most manufacturers. That’s because Superior Boiler still relies heavily on non-computer controlled welding. Many of the components on the products the company makes are hand welded. The need for such skilled labor is great.

The making of boilers is a long and complex task, whether it's a firetube boiler or a watertube system. For a firetube boiler, it starts with taking a solid sheet of steel and fabricating it into a large vessel. In the watertube area, it means fabricating tubes that will be carried inside a very large containment area. Both require dozens of steps.&nbsp;

Each boiler starts in a design room where space needs are determined. How the boiler is going to service the facility is also determined. The process is necessary because each boiler is handmade to fit into a particular space. Each boiler has its own book of instructions, blueprints and details of how it will be built. Each step is closely watched by a quality control person. 

Once each step is finished, it is signed off and even stamped onto the boiler. The book moves from step to step with the boiler throughout its manufacturing process. 

Because no two boilers are alike, manual welding is so important to the company. While most of the boilers are made by hand, there are computers that cut parts and pieces as needed. 

Another machine in the watertube division can be programmed to bend steel tubes into a specific configuration to fit into a particular design.&nbsp;

The process for a firetube boiler versus a watertube system is very different. The watertube systems are extremely large and are built inside a housing. Some designs use a flatbed trailer. That trailer becomes a permanent part of the system once it is delivered to its location. A conventional boiler is also large, but is shipped by truck and then placed in its designated location.

Once the tubes are in place, the vessel is fitted inside the holding area and the rest of the system is assembled. This requires some very heavy lifting of steel plates that weigh several thousand pounds. Gantry cranes move back and forth across the facility doing the heavy lifting.

On a firetube boiler, the vessel is welded on until all connections are attached. The vessel then moves into an oven where it is heated to 1,100 degrees. That hardens the welded connections, making the boiler stronger.&nbsp; 

Once that process is finished, the vessel moves across the street for its final assembly and painting. The boiler’s controls and valves are installed and the boiler is painted either in traditional Superior Blue or whatever the customer orders. All of the components in this area come from vendors.

The area has its own shop where any part can be made, including one-of-a-kind parts as needed. The area even has its own wood shop to build the shipping crates needed to transport orders. The shop has carts to transport parts and pieces that will be assembled in the main plant. Each has a number matching the vessel across the street.

Each boiler can take 14-20 weeks to complete, depending on its size, and can weigh up to 60 tons. Watertube boilers can take up to 32 weeks to complete. They are shipped all over the world. Superior has a strong order list, but is fighting to find the skilled labor it needs to fulfill those orders — a problem many in the industrial sector are facing.

If your business or industry would like the opportunity to show off how you do things, contact Rod Zook at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rod.zook@hutchpost.com">rod.zook@hutchpost.com</a>&nbsp;or call 620-259-7396 and be a part of "A Day in the Life."

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662751209950.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662753577168.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Superior Boiler has been a part of Hutchinson for more than 100 years. The company started as a welding shop and quickly grew to the company it is today. The company just completed a major expansion last year with the relocation of its watertube boiler facility from Richmond, Virginia, to Hutchinson.<div>
<div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Wed Jun 08 2022 14:52:25 GMT-0500 (CDT)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Suoerior Boiler"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M36S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/thumbs/Sq3CJ3LR-1920.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/Sq3CJ3LR-9xXMpd9w.mp4"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/Sq3CJ3LR-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Suoerior Boiler" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>

</div>The company manufactures industrial watertube and flextube boilers, scotch marine and vertical firetube boilers for process steam, hot water and waste heat recovery, and high-efficiency hot water condensing boilers. In addition to boilers, Superior Boiler also manufactures boiler room equipment items and parts, and provides 24-hour service. Superior Boiler employs approximately 150 people at its Hutchinson locations.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368032083.jpeg" alt="Superior's beginnings at Superior Welding. The company has been making boilers for 105 years, starting back in 1917." />
 <figcaption>Superior's beginnings at Superior Welding. The company has been making boilers for 105 years, starting back in 1917.</figcaption>
 </figure>The company is in a unique situation compared to most manufacturers. That’s because Superior Boiler still relies heavily on non-computer controlled welding. Many of the components on the products the company makes are hand welded. The need for such skilled labor is great.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368099297.jpeg" alt="Because each boiler is unique to each customer's needs, the ability to hire and keep employees with hand welding experience is essential to the company's business. The company works closely with Hutchinson Community College to find its welding workforce." />
 <figcaption>Because each boiler is unique to each customer's needs, the ability to hire and keep employees with hand welding experience is essential to the company's business. The company works closely with Hutchinson Community College to find its welding workforce.</figcaption>
 </figure>The making of boilers is a long and complex task, whether it's a firetube boiler or a watertube system. For a firetube boiler, it starts with taking a solid sheet of steel and fabricating it into a large vessel. In the watertube area, it means fabricating tubes that will be carried inside a very large containment area. Both require dozens of steps.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368147273.jpeg" alt="Building the main part of the boiler starts with the vessel. Here, a 5,000 pound piece of steel is rolled into a round cylinder that will become the main body of the boiler. The process takes just a few minutes." />
 <figcaption>Building the main part of the boiler starts with the vessel. Here, a 5,000 pound piece of steel is rolled into a round cylinder that will become the main body of the boiler. The process takes just a few minutes.</figcaption>
 </figure>Each boiler starts in a design room where space needs are determined. How the boiler is going to service the facility is also determined. The process is necessary because each boiler is handmade to fit into a particular space. Each boiler has its own book of instructions, blueprints and details of how it will be built. Each step is closely watched by a quality control person. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368179656.jpeg" alt="Each boiler is unique, so plans are made for each assembly. A book of instructions outlining every step of assembly is put together. The book travels with the boiler through the entire assembly process.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Each boiler is unique, so plans are made for each assembly. A book of instructions outlining every step of assembly is put together. The book travels with the boiler through the entire assembly process.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Once each step is finished, it is signed off and even stamped onto the boiler. The book moves from step to step with the boiler throughout its manufacturing process. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368632955.jpeg" alt="Here, a welder works on the inside of a boiler. Manual welding is a major part of Superior's operations." />
 <figcaption>Here, a welder works on the inside of a boiler. Manual welding is a major part of Superior's operations.</figcaption>
 </figure>Because no two boilers are alike, manual welding is so important to the company. While most of the boilers are made by hand, there are computers that cut parts and pieces as needed. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368673915.jpeg" alt="While the boilers are essentially built by hand, parts are needed for the project. Here a computer-operated plasma cutter produces parts for an order." />
 <figcaption>While the boilers are essentially built by hand, parts are needed for the project. Here a computer-operated plasma cutter produces parts for an order.</figcaption>
 </figure>Another machine in the watertube division can be programmed to bend steel tubes into a specific configuration to fit into a particular design.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368587859.jpeg" alt="Steel tubes are bent to a specified configuration for each watertube boiler. The computer-controlled machine can bend a tube in just a few minutes." />
 <figcaption>Steel tubes are bent to a specified configuration for each watertube boiler. The computer-controlled machine can bend a tube in just a few minutes.</figcaption>
 </figure>The process for a firetube boiler versus a watertube system is very different. The watertube systems are extremely large and are built inside a housing. Some designs use a flatbed trailer. That trailer becomes a permanent part of the system once it is delivered to its location. A conventional boiler is also large, but is shipped by truck and then placed in its designated location.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368231240.jpeg" alt="The massive size of a watertube boiler can be seen in this photo.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The massive size of a watertube boiler can be seen in this photo.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Once the tubes are in place, the vessel is fitted inside the holding area and the rest of the system is assembled. This requires some very heavy lifting of steel plates that weigh several thousand pounds. Gantry cranes move back and forth across the facility doing the heavy lifting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368438926.jpeg" alt="The cap ends of a watertube boiler are lifted into place by an overhead crane. It is a very slow and careful process." />
 <figcaption>The cap ends of a watertube boiler are lifted into place by an overhead crane. It is a very slow and careful process.</figcaption>
 </figure>On a firetube boiler, the vessel is welded on until all connections are attached. The vessel then moves into an oven where it is heated to 1,100 degrees. That hardens the welded connections, making the boiler stronger.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368470965.jpeg" alt="Boilers that are welded by hand must go through a heating process to strengthen all of the welds. Here, an oven prepares to take in a boiler where it will be heated to 1,100 degrees." />
 <figcaption>Boilers that are welded by hand must go through a heating process to strengthen all of the welds. Here, an oven prepares to take in a boiler where it will be heated to 1,100 degrees.</figcaption>
 </figure>Once that process is finished, the vessel moves across the street for its final assembly and painting. The boiler’s controls and valves are installed and the boiler is painted either in traditional Superior Blue or whatever the customer orders. All of the components in this area come from vendors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661368728010.jpeg" alt="Superior has its own machine and wood shop that allows the company to custom make shipping containers and parts." />
 <figcaption>Superior has its own machine and wood shop that allows the company to custom make shipping containers and parts.</figcaption>
 </figure>The area has its own shop where any part can be made, including one-of-a-kind parts as needed. The area even has its own wood shop to build the shipping crates needed to transport orders. The shop has carts to transport parts and pieces that will be assembled in the main plant. Each has a number matching the vessel across the street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662481685776.jpeg" alt="A firetube boiler is prepped for shipping in the final assembly area." />
 <figcaption>A firetube boiler is prepped for shipping in the final assembly area.</figcaption>
 </figure>Each boiler can take 14-20 weeks to complete, depending on its size, and can weigh up to 60 tons. Watertube boilers can take up to 32 weeks to complete. They are shipped all over the world. Superior has a strong order list, but is fighting to find the skilled labor it needs to fulfill those orders — a problem many in the industrial sector are facing.If your business or industry would like the opportunity to show off how you do things, contact Rod Zook at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rod.zook@hutchpost.com">rod.zook@hutchpost.com</a>&nbsp;or call 620-259-7396 and be a part of "A Day in the Life."A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update

🎥A Day in the Life: Superior Boiler

Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — James Weve’s vision has turned into JW Machine, a company that has grown steadily over the years. The company, located at 1003 Corey Rd., started small, but has grown into a company that many rely on to make or refurbish parts for just about anything.&nbsp;

Weve started with two lathe machines in his garage in October of 2017, making parts to order. Now, the company makes parts for many area manufacturers including Kuhn Krause, rollers for a company in Newton that makes treadmills, and Stinger Manufacturing in Burrton.

After starting with just two machines, Weve’s complement of equipment includes vertical mills, metal lathes, presses, and other equipment to mill shapes and grind with precision. Weve has been a machinist for more than 15 years, specializing in CNC and Manual Machining. 

He says his company prides itself on quality, precision, and efficiency on every job, big or small. Being small also allows the company to machine orders larger companies might not want to tackle. It's a common theme we have heard throughout our feature series.

Weve’s company is small with five full-time and three part-time employees. Weve says he tries to keep some balance between acquiring more business, and being able to meet deadlines and provide service to existing customers.&nbsp;

While he is the boss and owner, Weve still likes getting behind one of the machines and putting it to work. It's work he says he enjoys. While the computer-controlled machines make the work look easy, there are many things to be watched during any machining process because of the very close tolerances the machine must adhere to. 

Measurements are being taken constantly to make sure changes in temperature and other factors don’t allow the parts to fall outside the tolerance allowed by the customer.

The machine industry is one where you can learn the trade at HutchCC or any other vocational school. Being able to work computers, taking pride in close quality control and knowing how to use precision measuring tools are essential to employment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660766789057.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660595098580.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — James Weve’s vision has turned into JW Machine, a company that has grown steadily over the years. The company, located at 1003 Corey Rd., started small, but has grown into a company that many rely on to make or refurbish parts for just about anything.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660595165348.jpeg" alt="After starting in his garage with two machines, James Weve has grown JW Machine into a bustling facility. While he has room at his facility at 1003 Corey Rd., he says he could use more." />
 <figcaption>After starting in his garage with two machines, James Weve has grown JW Machine into a bustling facility. While he has room at his facility at 1003 Corey Rd., he says he could use more.</figcaption>
 </figure><div>
<div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Wed Jun 22 2022 11:09:08 GMT-0500 (CDT)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Jw Machine"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M26S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/1B0P8REG-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/1B0P8REG-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/1B0P8REG-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Jw Machine" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>

</div>Weve started with two lathe machines in his garage in October of 2017, making parts to order. Now, the company makes parts for many area manufacturers including Kuhn Krause, rollers for a company in Newton that makes treadmills, and Stinger Manufacturing in Burrton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660595204083.jpeg" alt="JW Machine can provide a host of services from large-scale numbers to smaller orders. The company can mill, grind and press products for just about any application." />
 <figcaption>JW Machine can provide a host of services from large-scale numbers to smaller orders. The company can mill, grind and press products for just about any application.</figcaption>
 </figure>After starting with just two machines, Weve’s complement of equipment includes vertical mills, metal lathes, presses, and other equipment to mill shapes and grind with precision. Weve has been a machinist for more than 15 years, specializing in CNC and Manual Machining. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660595314387.jpeg" alt="Most of the equipment can machine fine parts with the help of a computer, but the company can also do a number of manual tasks at the shop." />
 <figcaption>Most of the equipment can machine fine parts with the help of a computer, but the company can also do a number of manual tasks at the shop.</figcaption>
 </figure>He says his company prides itself on quality, precision, and efficiency on every job, big or small. Being small also allows the company to machine orders larger companies might not want to tackle. It's a common theme we have heard throughout our feature series.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660595230875.jpeg" alt="While the machines are computer assisted, workers must constantly measure product coming off a lathe as temperature changes and other factors can bring a machine's part out of the close tolerances expected." />
 <figcaption>While the machines are computer assisted, workers must constantly measure product coming off a lathe as temperature changes and other factors can bring a machine's part out of the close tolerances expected.</figcaption>
 </figure>Weve’s company is small with five full-time and three part-time employees. Weve says he tries to keep some balance between acquiring more business, and being able to meet deadlines and provide service to existing customers.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660595252290.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While he is the boss and owner, Weve still likes getting behind one of the machines and putting it to work. It's work he says he enjoys. While the computer-controlled machines make the work look easy, there are many things to be watched during any machining process because of the very close tolerances the machine must adhere to. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660595348841.jpeg" alt="JW Machine offers multi-axis, vertical and horizontal milling and machine work. One advantage is that the company can do smaller orders some other companies might not take on." />
 <figcaption>JW Machine offers multi-axis, vertical and horizontal milling and machine work. One advantage is that the company can do smaller orders some other companies might not take on.</figcaption>
 </figure>Measurements are being taken constantly to make sure changes in temperature and other factors don’t allow the parts to fall outside the tolerance allowed by the customer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660595277482.jpeg" alt="An example of the work done at JW Machine." />
 <figcaption>An example of the work done at JW Machine.</figcaption>
 </figure>The machine industry is one where you can learn the trade at HutchCC or any other vocational school. Being able to work computers, taking pride in close quality control and knowing how to use precision measuring tools are essential to employment.If your business or industry would like the opportunity to show off how you do things, contact Rod Zook at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rod.zook@hutchpost.com">rod.zook@hutchpost.com</a>&nbsp;or call 620-259-7396 and be a part of "A Day in the Life."A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update

🎥A Day in the Life: JW Machine

This is a special edition of A Day in the Life. With the start of the school year and recent events involving shootings at schools, we thought this would be a chance for you to see, and know, that local law enforcement is working to help protect students if such an event occurred. While it is unfortunate that such training is necessary, we wanted you to see what is being done in Hutchinson and Reno County to keep schools safe. This edition does contain video of law enforcement using live rounds with soft bullets to simulate real-life situations. Please note this is a real simulation and the video does contain simulated victims and real-life situations, some of which are graphic. Parts of the exercise are being left out intentionally to avoid disclosing tactical information that keeps officers safe.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Area law enforcement, Reno County EMS and&nbsp; Hutchinson Fire take time each year to conduct active shooter training in area schools. The exercise, done each year at various locations, helps officers prepare for such an event by putting them through various scenarios. The Hutchinson Fire Department was brought in to help train them on responding to numerous injuries and to triage such events.

The training starts out with a briefing for all personnel. At that briefing, all parties talk about how to respond to an active shooter, what the appropriate techniques are going to be, how to set up a triage area for injuries, and how victims can be rescued and removed from the building. The goal is to have a full picture of what will take pace if such a situation arises.&nbsp;

After that briefing, the individual units go into a breakout session to discuss their specific component of the exercise. For law enforcement, that includes single and team movement drills. Changes in how law enforcement reacts to active shooter situations has led law enforcement to evolve into a single-man response to an active shooter. That change came about from the shooting at Excel Industries in Hesston.

Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper says law enforcement used to wait and call in a SWAT team or form a multi-officer pattern before entering a building. Now, any officer, even if it’s just one, will enter the building and, if possible, diffuse the situation. It's a change brought on by the need to stop the shooter as quickly as possible. Simulated ammunition is used in the training.

As law enforcement works to secure areas of the building, the fire department works on extraction of victims. Law enforcement will walk around such injuries in an effort to get to the shooter as quickly as possible, but still make sure the fire department can extract a victim safely. It is a delicate balance of moving quickly, but ensuring that everyone is secured.

The action taken by law enforcement can change moment-to-moment if actual gunfire is taking place or begins. Once shooting starts, officers know there is a particular threat in that area and will move as quickly as possible.&nbsp;

The exercise also goes over how to deal with what are, understandably, upset parents or guardians of students. Chief Hooper wanted to stress that he can surely understand how parents would react to such a situation. He stresses that parents or guardians should not try to rescue their children. With the high-charged situation going on, it is likely that a parent in the building could be mistaken for a suspect and not a victim. The practice is for parents or guardians to gather at a designated rally point so they and their children can be accounted.&nbsp;

While this exercise was all about the schools, law enforcement will also provide such training and situational awareness to any business, church or manufacturer that wants it. Hooper wanted to stress that they are doing everything they can to keep schools safe from any type of threat.

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the Hutchinson Police Department, the Reno County Sheriff's Department, EMS and Hutchinson Fire for letting us be a part of this exercise. We hope you can see this edition of A Day in the Life as informative in knowing that law enforcement is training for such situations.&nbsp;

If your business would like to be a part of A Day in the Life, just contact Rod Zook at 620-259-7396 or email him at <a href="mailto:rod.zook@eagleradio.net">rod.zook@eagleradio.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660328677092.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660248292334.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is a special edition of A Day in the Life. With the start of the school year and recent events involving shootings at schools, we thought this would be a chance for you to see, and know, that local law enforcement is working to help protect students if such an event occurred. While it is unfortunate that such training is necessary, we wanted you to see what is being done in Hutchinson and Reno County to keep schools safe. This edition does contain video of law enforcement using live rounds with soft bullets to simulate real-life situations. Please note this is a real simulation and the video does contain simulated victims and real-life situations, some of which are graphic. Parts of the exercise are being left out intentionally to avoid disclosing tactical information that keeps officers safe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660144580110.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Area law enforcement, Reno County EMS and&nbsp; Hutchinson Fire take time each year to conduct active shooter training in area schools. The exercise, done each year at various locations, helps officers prepare for such an event by putting them through various scenarios. The Hutchinson Fire Department was brought in to help train them on responding to numerous injuries and to triage such events.The training starts out with a briefing for all personnel. At that briefing, all parties talk about how to respond to an active shooter, what the appropriate techniques are going to be, how to set up a triage area for injuries, and how victims can be rescued and removed from the building. The goal is to have a full picture of what will take pace if such a situation arises.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660229187456.jpeg" alt="Law enforcement, firefighters and EMS all meet before the exercise to get an overall look at what they want to accomplish during the drill. Breakout sessions are then held to allow each unit to do drills before the actual event starts." />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement, firefighters and EMS all meet before the exercise to get an overall look at what they want to accomplish during the drill. Breakout sessions are then held to allow each unit to do drills before the actual event starts.</figcaption>
 </figure>After that briefing, the individual units go into a breakout session to discuss their specific component of the exercise. For law enforcement, that includes single and team movement drills. Changes in how law enforcement reacts to active shooter situations has led law enforcement to evolve into a single-man response to an active shooter. That change came about from the shooting at Excel Industries in Hesston.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660229403293.jpeg" alt="Over the years, tactics have changed in how law enforcement reacts to an active shooter in order to shorten the amount of time they can engage the suspect." />
 <figcaption>Over the years, tactics have changed in how law enforcement reacts to an active shooter in order to shorten the amount of time they can engage the suspect.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper says law enforcement used to wait and call in a SWAT team or form a multi-officer pattern before entering a building. Now, any officer, even if it’s just one, will enter the building and, if possible, diffuse the situation. It's a change brought on by the need to stop the shooter as quickly as possible. Simulated ammunition is used in the training.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660229313254.jpeg" alt="The&nbsp; drill includes simulated ammunition, which still packs a pretty good punch and is as loud as the real thing." />
 <figcaption>The&nbsp; drill includes simulated ammunition, which still packs a pretty good punch and is as loud as the real thing.</figcaption>
 </figure>As law enforcement works to secure areas of the building, the fire department works on extraction of victims. Law enforcement will walk around such injuries in an effort to get to the shooter as quickly as possible, but still make sure the fire department can extract a victim safely. It is a delicate balance of moving quickly, but ensuring that everyone is secured.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660229344022.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660229353094.jpeg" alt="Once an area is secured by law enforcement, first responders move in to extract the victims, or any other students, to safety. Law enforcement will also work to keep moving through the building as quickly as possible while making sure firefighters are safe." />
 <figcaption>Once an area is secured by law enforcement, first responders move in to extract the victims, or any other students, to safety. Law enforcement will also work to keep moving through the building as quickly as possible while making sure firefighters are safe.</figcaption>
 </figure>The action taken by law enforcement can change moment-to-moment if actual gunfire is taking place or begins. Once shooting starts, officers know there is a particular threat in that area and will move as quickly as possible.&nbsp;<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Aug 04 2022 10:22:50 GMT-0500 (CDT)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Hutchinson Police - Aditl"/><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/tRC0Zcij-720.jpg"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/tRC0Zcij-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Hutchinson Police - Aditl" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>The exercise also goes over how to deal with what are, understandably, upset parents or guardians of students. Chief Hooper wanted to stress that he can surely understand how parents would react to such a situation. He stresses that parents or guardians should not try to rescue their children. With the high-charged situation going on, it is likely that a parent in the building could be mistaken for a suspect and not a victim. The practice is for parents or guardians to gather at a designated rally point so they and their children can be accounted.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660229432004.jpeg" alt="Officers have been trained to move in teams of two or more, and solo as well. The need for quick action has changed the way officers respond to a shooter. The idea is to engage the shooter as quickly as possible." />
 <figcaption>Officers have been trained to move in teams of two or more, and solo as well. The need for quick action has changed the way officers respond to a shooter. The idea is to engage the shooter as quickly as possible.</figcaption>
 </figure>While this exercise was all about the schools, law enforcement will also provide such training and situational awareness to any business, church or manufacturer that wants it. Hooper wanted to stress that they are doing everything they can to keep schools safe from any type of threat.We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the Hutchinson Police Department, the Reno County Sheriff's Department, EMS and Hutchinson Fire for letting us be a part of this exercise. We hope you can see this edition of A Day in the Life as informative in knowing that law enforcement is training for such situations.&nbsp;If your business would like to be a part of A Day in the Life, just contact Rod Zook at 620-259-7396 or email him at <a href="mailto:rod.zook@eagleradio.net">rod.zook@eagleradio.net</a>.A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;

🎥A Day in the Life: Active shooter training

HAVEN, Kan. — Many may not know much about Kincaid Manufacturing in Haven. The small plant located along the K-96 frontage road is in the agriculture business, but in a different way. Kincaid does manufacture planters and drills for planting seeds, sprayers for treating crops, and combines and threshers for harvesting, but it’s not for farmers. Instead, the company manufactures these items and provides software for the seed and seed research industry. The company provides the equipment not only for seed companies, but for universities to do their own ag science seed projects.

The company was founded in 1967 by Delmar Kincaid. In 2018, the company was turned over to his daughter, Kimberly Kincaid-Warner, who is the president. Since then, Kincaid has expanded to bring more of its services in-house. Most recently, the company purchased Seed Research Equipment Solutions, bringing the software and planter controls to the Haven plant.

The company uses small combines from overseas to start the process. The combines, which are much smaller than what you would see in Kansas farming operations, are fitted with equipment that can collect seeds from test plots. The machines sample the seeds and return them to the bin of the combine.&nbsp;

The company can make nearly anything that has to do with the collection and threshing process for seed collection, from various types of feeder systems, to what is called "full air delivery" to auger return systems that move the seed within the machine. It also provides a grinding system to crush the seed so it cannot germinate once harvested, since most of the seed is grown as part of research and development and not FDA approved.

The process starts in the fabrication area where parts are cut, welded and assembled according to the customer's specifications. Kincaid has an advantage of being able to do one-time custom orders. 

The parts and pieces are then built into the small Kincaid combines or seed drills according to the wishes of the customer.

The combines then go through final assembly before being shipped to the customer. The company has its own paint facilities and most everything is done in-house. When the company first started, Kincaid built the combine on-site from the ground up. Now, they come from Finland and are ready to be fitted with the items for a particular customer.

The recent acquisition of Seed Research Equipment Solutions means a different type of modification for Kincaid as the planters are fitted with software and cleanout equipment. The cleanout is important to seed research to eliminate chances of cross-planting.

The company also does retrofitting and refurbishing of used equipment for various companies. At that time, the company will go through the entire machine, make an inventory of what is needed and give a quote to the customer.

Kincaid-Warner says they could use about three to five extra workers at the plant and use Hutchinson Community College to help find that labor. She also says they will take on anyone willing to learn, be punctual and work hard. 

She says most of their more successful employees came right out of high school and have stayed on ever since.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658262366652.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656517078515.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHAVEN, Kan. — Many may not know much about Kincaid Manufacturing in Haven. The small plant located along the K-96 frontage road is in the agriculture business, but in a different way. Kincaid does manufacture planters and drills for planting seeds, sprayers for treating crops, and combines and threshers for harvesting, but it’s not for farmers. Instead, the company manufactures these items and provides software for the seed and seed research industry. The company provides the equipment not only for seed companies, but for universities to do their own ag science seed projects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656515782507.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The company was founded in 1967 by Delmar Kincaid. In 2018, the company was turned over to his daughter, Kimberly Kincaid-Warner, who is the president. Since then, Kincaid has expanded to bring more of its services in-house. Most recently, the company purchased Seed Research Equipment Solutions, bringing the software and planter controls to the Haven plant.The company uses small combines from overseas to start the process. The combines, which are much smaller than what you would see in Kansas farming operations, are fitted with equipment that can collect seeds from test plots. The machines sample the seeds and return them to the bin of the combine.&nbsp;<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Wed Jun 22 2022 11:09:09 GMT-0500 (CDT)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Kincade - Final"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M11S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/thumbs/aivjs703-1920.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/aivjs703-9xXMpd9w.mp4"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/aivjs703-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kincade - Final" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>The company can make nearly anything that has to do with the collection and threshing process for seed collection, from various types of feeder systems, to what is called "full air delivery" to auger return systems that move the seed within the machine. It also provides a grinding system to crush the seed so it cannot germinate once harvested, since most of the seed is grown as part of research and development and not FDA approved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656515814371.jpeg" alt="All parts and pieces manufactured at Kincaid start here in the design room where computer aid is used to design the necessary parts." />
 <figcaption>All parts and pieces manufactured at Kincaid start here in the design room where computer aid is used to design the necessary parts.</figcaption>
 </figure>The process starts in the fabrication area where parts are cut, welded and assembled according to the customer's specifications. Kincaid has an advantage of being able to do one-time custom orders. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656516194392.jpeg" alt="The plant houses its own machine shop where it can manufacture any part needed. Kincaid has the ability to custom make most parts for customer needs." />
 <figcaption>The plant houses its own machine shop where it can manufacture any part needed. Kincaid has the ability to custom make most parts for customer needs.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656516212472.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The parts and pieces are then built into the small Kincaid combines or seed drills according to the wishes of the customer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656515843403.jpeg" alt="Kincaid started out by building its own combines that are much smaller than would be used on a regular farm. Now, the company has them shipped to the factory from Finland." />
 <figcaption>Kincaid started out by building its own combines that are much smaller than would be used on a regular farm. Now, the company has them shipped to the factory from Finland.</figcaption>
 </figure>The combines then go through final assembly before being shipped to the customer. The company has its own paint facilities and most everything is done in-house. When the company first started, Kincaid built the combine on-site from the ground up. Now, they come from Finland and are ready to be fitted with the items for a particular customer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656516251095.jpeg" alt="All parts are primed and painted in Kincaid's own paint facilities. The booth runs pieces into the area to be painted before going to a drying area." />
 <figcaption>All parts are primed and painted in Kincaid's own paint facilities. The booth runs pieces into the area to be painted before going to a drying area.</figcaption>
 </figure>The recent acquisition of Seed Research Equipment Solutions means a different type of modification for Kincaid as the planters are fitted with software and cleanout equipment. The cleanout is important to seed research to eliminate chances of cross-planting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656515864219.jpeg" alt="The purchase of Seed Research Equipment Solutions in South Hutchinson has added another dimension to Kincaid's product line and services." />
 <figcaption>The purchase of Seed Research Equipment Solutions in South Hutchinson has added another dimension to Kincaid's product line and services.</figcaption>
 </figure>The company also does retrofitting and refurbishing of used equipment for various companies. At that time, the company will go through the entire machine, make an inventory of what is needed and give a quote to the customer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656516380407.jpeg" alt="Along with building its own equipment, Kincaid also services used combines. The machine is fully assessed and then refurbished to customer needs." />
 <figcaption>Along with building its own equipment, Kincaid also services used combines. The machine is fully assessed and then refurbished to customer needs.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kincaid-Warner says they could use about three to five extra workers at the plant and use Hutchinson Community College to help find that labor. She also says they will take on anyone willing to learn, be punctual and work hard. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656516435174.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>She says most of their more successful employees came right out of high school and have stayed on ever since.If your business or industry would like the opportunity to show off how you do things, contact Rod Zook at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rod.zook@hutchpost.com">rod.zook@hutchpost.com</a>&nbsp;or call 620-259-7396 and be a part of "A Day in the Life."A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;

🎥 A Day in the Life: Kincaid Manufacturing

🎥 A Day in the Life: Reno County 911

Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — “I have a passion for jewelry, not so much to wear it, but the artwork of it. The dense work fascinates me. The passion is for making it, repairing it, handling it, and mostly seeing the joy that comes from people’s faces when I hand them a piece of jewelry I made or repaired, and they say, ‘Wow, what a beautiful job.'”&nbsp;—Richard Westphal.

The name Westphal has been synonymous with the jewelry business in the area for many years. And while Richard Westphal of Westphal Jewelers in Hutchinson is there to do business, it is his love for designing pieces and repairing precious items that he loves most.&nbsp;

He is part of a third generation family business providing Gold &amp; Diamond Jewelry, Gemstone, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Engagement Rings &amp; Wedding Bands, Bridal Sets, Westphal Jewelry, Platinum Bands, 14Kt White Gold Jewelry, and Custom Jewelry Design. It’s that custom jewelry design that gets Westphal and his daughter, Katie, inspired each day. From a small workshop in the back of the store in downtown Hutchinson, both design, repair and build pieces of art that they sell and use in competitions too. The duo sees the art of jewelry design quite differently as the elder Westphal is more traditional in design while Katie tries to think outside the box a little more.&nbsp;

The process starts with a design. Most of the designs are simply drawings on paper where they take ideas from a customer or come up with their own depending on what that customer wants. From there, the process of building the piece begins. The design is made from wax. That wax piece is cast in plaster inside a small mold. The mold is then heated in a casting oven to 1,000 degrees for five hours. In that process, the wax melts, but leaves the impression in the casting.

While there are more advanced ways to fill the mold with molten gold or silver, Westphal uses a very old manual centrifuge. Gold is heated in a small, open crucible until it is molten. The small casting is placed in a holding and, when ready, the centrifuge is released from a loaded position and spins, forcing the gold into the casting. Once that is done, the mold is quickly cooled and the casting material is removed, leaving the rough product.&nbsp;

The material is ready to be finished using a file and buffing wheels until the piece is ready to have any type of stone or decoration attached. That too is done either by a very steady hand or by a laser-soldering system that can attach prongs of other metal pieces to the main work. Both are used by the Westphals.&nbsp;

Once the piece is ready, the stone or stones of choice are attached and the piece goes through a final touchup before it is ready to be delivered or put up for sale. The Westphals go from show to show both showing their work and looking for various stones or other things that can be made into jewelry.&nbsp;

While there is an education process you can go through to learn the art of jewelry making, Westphal says one of the best ways is simply through an apprenticeship. It's a love his family has been passing down from generation to generation.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656341553532.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning. By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — “I have a passion for jewelry, not so much to wear it, but the artwork of it. The dense work fascinates me. The passion is for making it, repairing it, handling it, and mostly seeing the joy that comes from people’s faces when I hand them a piece of jewelry I made or repaired, and they say, ‘Wow, what a beautiful job.'”&nbsp;—Richard Westphal.The name Westphal has been synonymous with the jewelry business in the area for many years. And while Richard Westphal of Westphal Jewelers in Hutchinson is there to do business, it is his love for designing pieces and repairing precious items that he loves most.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655136228757.jpeg" alt="Westphal Jewelers showcases many pieces of jewelry in the front of its business. But it is in the back of the business where some of the most interesting work takes place." />
 <figcaption>Westphal Jewelers showcases many pieces of jewelry in the front of its business. But it is in the back of the business where some of the most interesting work takes place.</figcaption>
 </figure>He is part of a third generation family business providing Gold &amp; Diamond Jewelry, Gemstone, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Engagement Rings &amp; Wedding Bands, Bridal Sets, Westphal Jewelry, Platinum Bands, 14Kt White Gold Jewelry, and Custom Jewelry Design. It’s that custom jewelry design that gets Westphal and his daughter, Katie, inspired each day. From a small workshop in the back of the store in downtown Hutchinson, both design, repair and build pieces of art that they sell and use in competitions too. The duo sees the art of jewelry design quite differently as the elder Westphal is more traditional in design while Katie tries to think outside the box a little more.&nbsp;<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Wed Jun 08 2022 14:52:25 GMT-0500 (CDT)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Westphal"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M34S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/thumbs/3W9ZcExQ-1920.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/3W9ZcExQ-9xXMpd9w.mp4"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/3W9ZcExQ-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Westphal" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>The process starts with a design. Most of the designs are simply drawings on paper where they take ideas from a customer or come up with their own depending on what that customer wants. From there, the process of building the piece begins. The design is made from wax. That wax piece is cast in plaster inside a small mold. The mold is then heated in a casting oven to 1,000 degrees for five hours. In that process, the wax melts, but leaves the impression in the casting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655135672561.jpeg" alt="Gold melted in a small, open crucible in preparation for being released into a casting. The centrifugal force of the spinning centrifuge forces the molten gold into the mold. It is an old technique that Westphal still uses today." />
 <figcaption>Gold melted in a small, open crucible in preparation for being released into a casting. The centrifugal force of the spinning centrifuge forces the molten gold into the mold. It is an old technique that Westphal still uses today.</figcaption>
 </figure>While there are more advanced ways to fill the mold with molten gold or silver, Westphal uses a very old manual centrifuge. Gold is heated in a small, open crucible until it is molten. The small casting is placed in a holding and, when ready, the centrifuge is released from a loaded position and spins, forcing the gold into the casting. Once that is done, the mold is quickly cooled and the casting material is removed, leaving the rough product.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655135912688.jpeg" alt="The rough product is removed from the mold and then the handwork begins. Files and buffing wheels smooth out the rough areas of the piece. All of this work, as with most of the building phase, is done by hand." />
 <figcaption>The rough product is removed from the mold and then the handwork begins. Files and buffing wheels smooth out the rough areas of the piece. All of this work, as with most of the building phase, is done by hand.</figcaption>
 </figure>The material is ready to be finished using a file and buffing wheels until the piece is ready to have any type of stone or decoration attached. That too is done either by a very steady hand or by a laser-soldering system that can attach prongs of other metal pieces to the main work. Both are used by the Westphals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655136030175.jpeg" alt="Westphal uses a delicate touch to attach prongs that will hold a stone in place on a ring. The work can also be done by a special laser machine, but Westphal mostly does the work by hand." />
 <figcaption>Westphal uses a delicate touch to attach prongs that will hold a stone in place on a ring. The work can also be done by a special laser machine, but Westphal mostly does the work by hand.</figcaption>
 </figure>Once the piece is ready, the stone or stones of choice are attached and the piece goes through a final touchup before it is ready to be delivered or put up for sale. The Westphals go from show to show both showing their work and looking for various stones or other things that can be made into jewelry.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655136135398.jpeg" alt="The Westphals are always looking for things to design jewelry around and travel to shows to find such pieces that they can incorporate into their own creations." />
 <figcaption>The Westphals are always looking for things to design jewelry around and travel to shows to find such pieces that they can incorporate into their own creations.</figcaption>
 </figure>While there is an education process you can go through to learn the art of jewelry making, Westphal says one of the best ways is simply through an apprenticeship. It's a love his family has been passing down from generation to generation.A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 A Day in the Life: Westphal Jewelers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Day in the Life series begins with a look into the inner workings of one of Hutchinson's oldest companies, Hubco. Hutchinson Bag Company was started in 1919 by Emerson Carey as a way to aid his budding salt mining industry.&nbsp;

Today, Hubco manufactures and prints cloth, woven, and non-woven textile bag packaging in a variety of fabrics, sizes and styles. Hubco serves a wide range of industries, offering many stock and custom bags for food products, feed, seed, mining and oil, cathodic protection, and mailing and parts. The company changed its name to Hubco in 1991 and has been a staple of the Hutchinson industry for 103 years.

The process starts in a warehouse just south of the plant where large rolls of cloth and burlap are delivered and stored. When needed, the rolls are moved to the plant where they are cut into various-sized rolls for manufacturing depending on the size of the bag.

While it looks like this machine cuts the fabric, it actually uses small teeth to tear the fabric in a corrugated pattern so it doesn't unravel during the manufacturing process.

Once the rolls are cut, they are set aside according to size and wait for their run through the production line.

Once the bags are prepped, they are moved to the printing area where a number of printers can put one or multiple colors of ink on the fabric.

Now that the bags are printing, it’s time for the manufacturing process to begin. Various machines sew the bags. This includes inserting labels and placing holes for drawstrings or other methods of securing the bag. The bags can be large or small. One of Hubco’s strengths is its willingness to make small runs of bags for individuals who may have a niche market for small items. The bags are sewn in various areas, either by machine or even by hand.

The bags are then packaged and shipped to their destinations. Hubco started with five employees and now employs 54 people (nine in the office and 45 in the plant). Hubco credits its stability and ongoing success to its loyal employees. One employee has been with the company for 50 years. Like most, Hubco says it could use more employees and credits its work environment for its low workforce turnover.

A Day in the Life continues Sunday, July 3, with a look at Westphal Jewelers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655323831549.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655492780743.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Day in the Life series begins with a look into the inner workings of one of Hutchinson's oldest companies, Hubco. Hutchinson Bag Company was started in 1919 by Emerson Carey as a way to aid his budding salt mining industry.&nbsp;[SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO]Today, Hubco manufactures and prints cloth, woven, and non-woven textile bag packaging in a variety of fabrics, sizes and styles. Hubco serves a wide range of industries, offering many stock and custom bags for food products, feed, seed, mining and oil, cathodic protection, and mailing and parts. The company changed its name to Hubco in 1991 and has been a staple of the Hutchinson industry for 103 years.The process starts in a warehouse just south of the plant where large rolls of cloth and burlap are delivered and stored. When needed, the rolls are moved to the plant where they are cut into various-sized rolls for manufacturing depending on the size of the bag.<figure>
 <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4hG3z4GLCg2v2xkDb_7XR1YxJuy-tr48hrksWZcoJ0drSOICTYQxcfG-bZ4IptzJJgGssmUH8LwrTrEcWeetlHRlVUvOKLWZFAcSmyrJeFhuzNt0cR9uTWLK2mtsYT0Lcz0lvjFX9rAnfoWn" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Wed Jun 08 2022 14:52:25 GMT-0500 (CDT)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Hubco"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H4M39S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/thumbs/2kn4K2TB-1920.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/2kn4K2TB-9xXMpd9w.mp4"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/2kn4K2TB-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Hubco" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>While it looks like this machine cuts the fabric, it actually uses small teeth to tear the fabric in a corrugated pattern so it doesn't unravel during the manufacturing process.<figure>
 <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/GGPIUdJ-ZF5QBIPEOG4LkupxwM66rKexcxfCNsXrDRGlpZHwQN4b2cv2Nkv1oMX19NSvdIGK8SKL8N4nhGs5tMH_uNZmI3VO1ARCqv0wkVbBmuqUyo8EdYZH8VsOesTVIkeNJrx6I6mAuCq2" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Once the rolls are cut, they are set aside according to size and wait for their run through the production line.<figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Tmq_PFCZGnM_4w8xv-J4wU6C4FKg5EwqXELV4O5ie868YZUSW3rmtB2vDrE-4dQHpNWbcC7PaBGrJ1eFgbIrNRTrR3S0Dib4xdfictGSunYu535tuMt9Z7pxfA3Iyihgi_39goIiH8wXxPU" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Once the bags are prepped, they are moved to the printing area where a number of printers can put one or multiple colors of ink on the fabric.<figure>
 <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/cpq1VhuvD6dsEK5Dobkw0mes4MYzOq0o9E3K8QOYPJwUcyB7QhPMaLNMQO906y8F17zp3ndwZknpG0TO06N0YTxh42kJjBpZfHvjfJHwwr8I5Z8-r9CZ-ocynPUjV3Io8EdwhT8PVq6y7-Yb" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Now that the bags are printing, it’s time for the manufacturing process to begin. Various machines sew the bags. This includes inserting labels and placing holes for drawstrings or other methods of securing the bag. The bags can be large or small. One of Hubco’s strengths is its willingness to make small runs of bags for individuals who may have a niche market for small items. The bags are sewn in various areas, either by machine or even by hand.<figure>
 <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/kjCa_NRFz-lIA-L_SKOs1pXVBGO_dSOz5cjgq7ikp_bVluoqH-n5a6i-zwVLMnsAmYDh0Nkq5uZWBGTcOuDmmmsHQYBMxazF3mE3ND6B4DjXkY6HVUZC9E29LwpY5_dsOwnzNxBso0tMIKFk" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The bags are then packaged and shipped to their destinations. Hubco started with five employees and now employs 54 people (nine in the office and 45 in the plant). Hubco credits its stability and ongoing success to its loyal employees. One employee has been with the company for 50 years. Like most, Hubco says it could use more employees and credits its work environment for its low workforce turnover.A Day in the Life continues Sunday, July 3, with a look at Westphal Jewelers.A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 A Day in the Life: Hubco

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Starting Sunday, June 19, Hutch Post will begin a new feature highlighting local businesses.

The new feature series will go behind the scenes to see what "A Day in the Life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655323831549.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Starting Sunday, June 19, Hutch Post will begin a new feature highlighting local businesses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655492780743.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The new feature series will go behind the scenes to see what "A Day in the Life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County.

A Day In the Life