A to Z Machine Company Culture
At A to Z Machine, our CNC machining company is built on strong values, mutual respect and a shared commitment to being the machining industry’s supplier and employer of choice. To achieve these goals, we strive to create a work environment that values safety, accountability, continuous growth and more. Here’s a glimpse into what makes A to Z a great place to work.
Building a Culture of Care
We believe in giving back to the community and supporting our employees. From hygiene drives that support local organizations to Valentine’s Day surprises, we’re always finding ways to improve morale both inside and outside of our CNC machining shop.
For example, our Surprise Squad is dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of kindness and appreciation. Employees regularly volunteer at area nonprofits, such as Harbor House in Appleton and The Salvation Army.
True North Philosophy
Our True North philosophy keeps us aligned with our purpose: to be the machining industry’s supplier and employer of choice. We commit to delivering high-quality service and products, while also being a company that employees are proud to work for. Our focus on quality, accountability and growth drives everything we do.
Learn more about our True NorthTED the Robot
Meet TED—our Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and a vital part of our culture. TED is an example of our commitment to creativity and innovation. Short for Tools Efficiently Delivered, TED is programmed to transport tooling and gaging from our tool room to various areas throughout the shop, even navigating hard-to-reach spaces with ease.
By automating these deliveries, TED boosts efficiency and eliminates the clutter of traditional tool carts. TED has become a symbol of our problem-solving spirit—a blend of experimentation and a sense of humor.
What employees say about working at A to Z Machine
Core Values
Our core values define who we are and how we work together.
Safety
At A to Z Machine, safety is a way of life. We believe that a safe workplace is crucial to the well-being of every individual, and we are uncompromising in our commitment to the health and safety of all our employees, contractors, vendors and visitors. Safety starts with each of us, and we are all accountable for our own well-being and the safety of those around us. We never take shortcuts, and we actively work to prevent accidents and injuries by following stringent safety procedures. We embrace the belief that all injuries are preventable, and we hold ourselves and our teammates accountable for maintaining a safe environment.
Ownership and Accountability
We believe in personal accountability and ownership. At A to Z Machine, we don’t just meet expectations—we take responsibility for achieving them. We understand that we succeed as a team, which is why we hold ourselves and each other accountable for the actions, results and performance that drive our company forward. We believe in owning our mistakes, being honest about them and taking proactive steps to correct them. This mindset allows us to grow as individuals and as a team, improving our systems and processes every step of the way. By holding ourselves accountable, we create a culture of trust and reliability, both within our organization and with our customers.
Respect
Respect is at the heart of everything we do at A to Z Machine. We treat everyone—customers, vendors, visitors and teammates—with mutual respect, kindness and consideration. We understand and celebrate our differences, whether it’s skill level, experience or life perspective. Our diverse backgrounds and talents are what make us stronger as a team, and we honor each person’s contributions. We actively listen to understand one another, ask questions to foster learning and approach every interaction with respect. We also recognize that we are each other’s internal customers, and we maintain high standards for how we support one another and work together.
Integrity
Integrity is fundamental to how we operate. At A to Z Machine, we always strive to do the right thing, even when no one is looking. We act with honesty and transparency in all our dealings, both internally and externally. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, ensuring that our actions align with our words and commitments. We don’t compromise the truth, and we honor the promises we make, whether they are to our teammates or our customers. Integrity is the foundation of the trust that we build within our team and with the people we serve.
Customer Satisfaction
Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering. At A to Z, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality products and providing exceptional service to build long-term relationships with our customers. We take ownership that we meet or exceed our customers' expectations for product quality, performance and timely delivery. Our pride and enthusiasm for our work show in every project we take on. When challenges arise, we are quick to problem-solve, proactively seeking solutions and driving continuous improvement. We are dedicated to the success of both our external and internal customers, delivering value in everything we do.
Engagement and Teamwork
Teamwork is the cornerstone of our success at A to Z Machine. We believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of building strong relationships within our team. We work together to achieve our shared goals, fostering trust, respect and accountability in all our interactions. We seek out diverse perspectives, recognizing that every team member brings something unique to the table. By breaking down silos and embracing teamwork, we create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow. When we collaborate, we are stronger, more innovative and better able to serve our customers.
Quality and Continuous Improvement
At A to Z, we are never satisfied with the status quo. We believe that there is always room for improvement, and we strive to make tomorrow better than today. We focus on “fire prevention” by addressing the root causes of issues, which allows us to prevent problems before they arise. We encourage a culture of innovation, creativity and problem-solving by fostering an environment where new ideas can be shared and explored. We believe that continuous improvement is key to our long-term success, and we embrace the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle as we work to improve our processes and systems.
Guiding Principles
Our guiding principles shape our actions and inspire our collaboration.
Treat Every Individual with Respect
Respect is the foundation of every successful relationship. At A to Z Machine, we strive to treat every individual with dignity and empathy. We listen to understand, not to judge, and we encourage open communication and the sharing of ideas. Whether a person is new to the team or has been with us for years, we value their contributions and honor their unique perspectives. We avoid gossip, belittling or unprofessional behavior, and instead, we create a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels valued. We also understand the power of our words and are intentional about the impact they have on others, ensuring we speak thoughtfully and respectfully.
Lead with Humility
Leadership at A to Z Machine is about building strong teams, not individual glory. We lead with humility, acknowledging the contributions of others and recognizing that the success of the team is the ultimate goal. Leaders set the example by being open to feedback, admitting mistakes and learning from them. We focus on building an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and asking for help, knowing that humility leads to growth and innovation. Our leaders lead by example, showing that collaboration, not ego, drives success.
Focus on the Process
In any challenge or project, the process is as important as the result. At A to Z, we focus on the process first. We believe that by following established processes and continually improving them, we can achieve the best possible outcomes. When things go wrong, we focus on identifying areas of improvement and correcting course. By embracing a process-oriented mindset, we can avoid complacency and achieve long-term success. We recognize that a strong process leads to strong results, and we commit to refining our workflows to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Embrace Continuous Improvement
At A to Z, we believe that there is always room to grow. Continuous improvement is an integral part of our culture. We actively seek out opportunities to improve both as individuals and as a team. We embrace change and innovation, knowing that without change, we cannot progress. Whether it’s refining a process, learning a new skill or taking on a new challenge, we are always striving to be better. We encourage risk-taking and learning from failure, understanding that each step forward, even in the face of adversity, brings us closer to excellence.
Quality from Start to Finish
Quality is woven into everything we do. At A to Z Machine, we believe that quality extends to every step of the process, from the first design phase to the finished component. Every team member, regardless of role, is responsible for ensuring that quality is maintained throughout the entire process. We are committed to delivering products that exceed customer expectations, and we know that quality starts with us. By maintaining high standards and holding ourselves accountable, we ensure that our customers receive the best possible product every time.
Alignment in Our Purpose
At A to Z, we are guided by a clear purpose: to be the machining industry’s supplier and employer of choice. Our purpose is at the heart of every decision we make, and we ensure that every employee understands and aligns with it. When our actions and decisions support our purpose, we can confidently move forward as one unified team. We continuously review our purpose and make sure that all our initiatives, goals and decisions align with this vision. By staying aligned, we work together to achieve greater success and drive the company forward.
Create Value for the Customer
At A to Z Machine, we are dedicated to delivering value in everything we do. By understanding our customers’ needs and offering innovative solutions, we build lasting partnerships based on trust and respect. We strive to improve our processes continually, finding ways to reduce costs and enhance efficiency without compromising on quality. Every team member plays a role in delivering value, and we take pride in the high standards we set for ourselves. Our commitment to customer satisfaction drives us to always go the extra mile.
Commitments to Each Other
- Focus on the process
- Seek to understand
- Bring your best effort to your work
- Be part of the solution
- Collaborate for success
- Resolve conflict respectfully
Join Our Team
If you’re looking to join a team that values respect, accountability and continuous improvement, A to Z Machine is the right place for you.