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Jen Barnes

Barnes Blog

All posts by Jen Barnes

Family Business

By | Barnes Manufacturing Team

What does it mean to be a family business? The obvious response is a business started and run by members of a family- parents and children, sometimes siblings, nieces and nephews. But the reality is that in many small businesses employees become family. In a small business you have to work together through the tough times and then celebrate the good times together. This week we are celebrating the 29 years that Dave Hinton has worked at Barnes Manufacturing and his upcoming retirement. 

Dave Hinton

Dave in full paint suit leaning against machinery

There is always an old salt that has worked there since you have been in diapers- the person that has the knowledge and experience to educate the next generation (often named Dave). I still remember my first day at Barnes Manufacturing in 2004, I was a young woman, going to work for my boyfriend’s family in their manufacturing business. I started in the paint and assembly shop- masking parts, packing bearings, and helping wherever I could. It was in that shop I met Dave Hinton- responsible for paint, body filler, training newbies, and anything else that may come up.

 

Since 1988

Old picture of young Dave Hinton sanding mixer

Dave started with Barnes Manufacturing in 1988, assembling bakery equipment for a large contract. Dave is a unicorn of an employee- smart, funny, and dependable. From fish-eye epoxy coatings to powder coating, he learned, adapted, and improved the processes.  Most importantly, he did it while also winning as many 100.7 call in challenges as possible (and rocking an incredible mustache).  

I consider myself blessed to have been put in Dave’s shop, not only was he a great co-worker, mentor, and friend, he also had known my future husband since he was just a bratty little kid and had great stories to tell.

Dave Powder Coating

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Dave!

This November, after nearly 3 decades of service to Barnes, Dave Hinton is retiring. He will finally get to take some time off and relax. No more dip tanks and powder coat ovens. Though I imagine there will still be plenty of Bond-o dust as he finally gets to rebuild his treasured Chevy Berettas. We will miss seeing Dave every day, but I know we will still keep in touch. He is a part of our family and I am personally so grateful the time I have spent working with him. So from all of us at Barnes Manufacturing- Congratulations Dave!

Custom Manufacturing Company - Barnes Manufacturing Services - Serving Midwest United States

Diversified Custom Manufacturing Under One Roof

By | Manufacturing Costs, Manufacturing Services

Are you depending on multiple companies to produce one part, because none of them can do the project from start to finish?

Some metal parts manufacturers are increasing their offering by providing value-added services that go above and beyond machining. Not only does this type of diversified custom manufacturing company to serve a larger customer base, it also allows customers to have all of their parts manufacturing needs completed under one roof.

That comes with even more benefits that you may not think of when you are seeking the best place to have manufacture your parts or machinery.

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For The Love of Manufacturing

By | Manufacturing Services

How many times have you taken the lowest machining or custom fabrication bid, only to find out that the end product was not up to par? This is why it is so important to look for a fair price for your next machining project, and a company that only hires machinists who are creative and love what they do.

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