The Benefit of Experience
In the 28 years since STC was formed, we have supplied custom components to high-reliabilitiy commercial, military, and aerospace programs. To get to the point where a company can effectively supply components for these types of projects, there are a number of key steps that must be taken first.
One of the first steps is to implement and certify an ISO quality program, which STC has done continuously since 1999. In addition to the ISO quality system, there are other certifications that benefit both the supplier and purchasing customer (for example, IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 certification, which address the soldering and acceptability of electronic components).
According to STC VP of Operations Angie Calkin, much of the work beyond ISO certification is dictated by the projects themselves.
“You have to be willing to work with whatever requirements that are specified by the customer,” says Calkin. “Whether it be following first-article requirements or being proactive in reporting delivery dates, if you’re not willing to follow the requirements, you’re not going to make it as a supplier for these projects.”
As Calkin describes it, experience in working on these types of projects is invaluable.
“A lot of it is also building a reputation over the years. During the past five years, we’ve rarely been late on a delivery. At the same time, customers often ask us to push a date sooner, and we work with them as much as possible to do that.”
Calkin is able to describe, in detail, the requirements often specified by these types of projects, as well as the online supplier sites used to report accounting, manufacturing, engineering, and quality data. This focus on detail is shared by the entire STC staff.
As an example, an STC customer recently wrote:
“When I deal with STC, I always feel that your company values our business relationship, and that you dedicate the time and energy to get things right. I always feel confident that when you communicate concerns, they are intelligent questions—asking about genuine issues that may affect acceptance… Your attention to detail simply displays to me that you care about doing things right, and by the book, and that you really care about delighting your customers. This is so refreshing. Thanks for all you do, and for your exceptional attention to detail.”
On behalf of the entire STC staff, thank you. We’re doing our best.
Three “Underrated” Reasons to Order from STC
While our quality, manufacturing capabilities, pricing, and testing are prime reasons our customers continue to turn to STC, there are significant, but less obvious, reasons to considering STC for your upcoming projects. Here they are in reverse order:
3. Near the US Population Center: Our location in Illinois puts us in a fine spot when it comes to both shipping times and costs—particularly for heavy parts like iron-core transformers. Our shipments are securely packaged and are sent according to customer preferences, which may include ground, freight, or express (depending on shipment size).
2. We Still Answer the Phone / Respond to Online Inquiries: A large number of transformer and electronics suppliers have moved overseas. Of those still based in the US, many import a large portion of their product catalog from overseas. As has been the case since 1986, all of our transformers are made in the USA, and we have the expertise to answer any questions you may have. Do you need to know something specific about your project? Your design engineer is only a phone call (or email) away.
1. Involvement from Initial Design to End Product: This is where it really gets fun. We enjoy being involved in new projects right from the start—and we have the expertise to offer meaningful contributions very early in the process. Whether the need is for aircraft lighting transformers or printed circuit assemblies for a cutting-edge Kickstarter campaign, we have the capability to help at day one.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
STC to be Supplier for New Boeing Tanker
STC, Inc. has been selected as a component supplier for Boeing’s new 767-2C tanker, which is currently in production and will be adapted into a KC-46 aerial refueling tanker for the U.S. Air Force.
STC has been suppying electronic components for avionics since it’s beginning as a company in 1986. The components manufactured by STC include transformers used in auto-flight systems, flight-instrument systems, and both exterior and interior lighting systems.
This most recent project is for the manufacture of transformers supplying power for exterior lights used to illuminate refueling areas. This project is a point of pride for STC, Inc. employees, on a number of levels.
The timely delivery of high-quality parts helps support the men and women of our armed forces who will be utilizing the installed equipment in the field. STC’s ability to serve as a supplier requires a high level of commitment to our own quality program, as well as to the quality requirements of our customers.
Additionally, STC’s involvement demonstrates our position as a company, having implemented demanding quality standards early on, and then methodically broadening those standards with an eye toward continual improvement.
STC Employees Complete Standards Training
In mid-December, STC hosted two separate training classes for company production personnel. A total of 17 employees attended one of the two training classes—and received certification for their respective class.
Ten employees attended the J-STD-001 classes, which trains production staff on soldering practices and processes as covered by the J-STD-001 requirements.
Seven employees attended the IPC-A-610 classes, which instructs supervisory staff on the soldering inspection standards covered by the IPC-A-610 requirements.
These certifications further help STC serve as a qualified vendor for high-reliability applications. Please contact us for more information about our capabilities as an Electronics Manufacuring Service (EMS) provider.