Building on technology

POST FALLS - A manufacturing company that was one of the early recruits to North Idaho by Jobs Plus and the Coeur d'Alene Economic Development Corp., is continuing to reap the benefits of moving to a business-friendly state.

Integrated Ideas and Technologies moved to Coeur d'Alene from Sacramento, Calif., in 1998, and has seen steady growth ever since.

"We have never had a layoff," said Mike Ray, owner of the company that recently earned certification as a supplier of specialized aerospace components.

When he moved to Idaho, he had about a half dozen employees, and built a 5,000-square-foot building for the operation. Within a couple of years, another 3,000 square feet was added, and a year and a half ago the company moved again, this time to a new 23,000-square-foot plant on Seltice Way near Stateline.

They started strictly as a supplier of tools for the surface-mount tool industry, such as manufacturers of circuit boards. As business grew and changed, the company developed a laser cutting system.

During the process of getting a patent, in order to protect their technology, Ray brought in machine equipment to do the work. That took them to the next level of production.

"The metal side took off," Ray said.

Integrated Ideas and Technologies became a producer of all manner of precision sheet metal products such as small brackets and threaded fasteners, and frames and panels for equipment components such as electronics.

"We can cut on material a thousandth of an inch in stainless steel," Ray said. "That's like foil."

Aerospace, aviation and maritime industries are among the company's clients. Using water jets instead of punch presses, working with material up to 8 inches thick, "We can cut virtually any pattern in material including plastic, nylon, titanium and aluminum," he said.

A few weeks ago Integrated Ideas and Technologies received its AS 9100 certification, a Society of Automotive Engineers international standard required for companies who plan to work with high-quality, precision manufacturers in the aircraft, space and defense industries.

"It has been beneficial," Ray said. "It allows us to get doors open."

Part of the reason for the company's success is a quick turnaround from prototype to model, often in as little as a day, he said.

He expects business could double within a year, with 95 percent of sales outside Idaho.

The company has grown to 25 employees, and plans to hire a couple more machinists. Highly automated technology means they can do more with fewer people. Since some jobs are for as few as one piece, the ability to achieve a quick turnaround has proven beneficial, Ray said.

In some cases that is accomplished by using equipment in ways other than its designed purpose. But volume production means Integrated Ideas and Technologies kept its original building to keep inventory for just-in-time shipping, with orders placed as much as a year in advance.

Since the company operates three shifts, that means production can be scheduled to make the most efficient use of time and employees, Ray said.

He would not divulge what the company's total payroll is, or the range of wages paid.

"They are above normal up here," he said. "I am surprised how low some of the jobs are."

The company does provide a 401k plan, and health insurance that includes medical, dental and vision, with all employees participating at a cost of $20 per month.

One reason for relocating to Idaho was that employees working for the company would be able to purchase a home, he said. Many can do it with only one wage earner in the family.

"It is a wonderful place to do business," Ray said. "Idaho is business friendly, and people can have a home life."

With the additional opportunities now open to Integrated Ideas and Technologies as a result of the AS 9100 certification, Ray expects he will be in contact with many who will find North Idaho appealing.

"It is such a nice place to live," he said. "I met some southern California defense contractors who have heard about the area. They are very interested."

He is pleased with his location, and its convenient proximity to vital transportation routes, including Spokane International Airport. There are sometimes several instances a week when a client needs a component quickly enough that they were able to take it directly to the airport for shipping.

Ray has the benefit of a unique and rare business model.

"I own everything," he said. "I have no payments. When I buy a piece of equipment, I do it on the one-payment plan."

That included his factory, and the additional adjacent lots he has already purchased with an eye to expansion.

"Within a three-year period we could outgrow this building," he said.

Information: http://www.integratedideas.com