Although Franklin Brazing and Metal Treating (FBMT) was founded in the 1960s, the current owners, Timothy and Margaret (Peg) Mathile purchased the company in October of 1995. In 2000, they invested in building a 51,000 square foot permanent facility located in Lebanon, Ohio.
On June 1, 2017, Peg was made majority owner of the partnership and became intimately involved in the business. As an owner/operator, however, she saw the need to “refound” Franklin Brazing and Metal Treating. “It is wonderful to have history and longevity, which proves that there is enough capital for the company to continue; but what is most important is who Franklin Brazing is today,” she said.
According to Peg, “I didn’t really have experience in manufacturing or heat treating, but I sensed that no matter how great our facilities or systems were, if I didn’t have the right people in the right place with the right attitudes, nothing else would matter. So, for the first several years, I focused on culture and people first and foremost, with an eye on facilities and systems improvements. I also believe that everything is about relationships, regardless of the industry.”
That focus on relationships became a driving force in the company’s values of teamwork, excellence, integrity, and respect in every aspect of Franklin’s culture. There is a palpable energy throughout the organization that comes from honoring its values as well as a commitment to quality systems and continuous improvement. Peg believes in the adage, “Don’t just tell me, show me.”
Franklin Brazing and Metal Treating provides annealing, assembly, and brazing services using continuous belt furnace brazing with pure atmospheres. FBMT works with carbon and stainless-steel parts that are needed for the automotive, heavy trucking, agriculture, medical, food service, and aerospace industries. The true value-add at Franklin is that the services are performed by seasoned full-time associates who have a deep understanding and experience of the processes and what it takes to produce good parts.
Recent improvements include a new cooling tower, chiller system, enhanced duct work, LED lighting in the plant, a renovated breakroom for the associates, a quality room for the engineering staff, a new HVAC system for the front offices, and upgrades in technology systems.
The updated technology is not only used for improving efficiency and data analysis, but also for communication. It has been key to improving operations and has had a significant impact on relationships with clients. Franklin’s ability to effectively communicate enhances collaboration, which allows FBMT’s clients to more efficiently manage their supply chains, reduce the cost of rework and scrap, and better serve their clients.
FBMT places a high priority on education and training. There is a commitment to enhance the associates’ knowledge through investing in educational opportunities and training. “We have a wonderful team and when opportunities are provided for people to grow, everybody wins,” Peg said. “The associate wins, the company wins, and most importantly, our clients win.”
