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Powering Precision: Cooper Gear & Manufacturing's Energy Audit

With the help of: Missouri Enterprise

About

Cooper Gear & Manufacturing, a third-generation gear and manufacturing facility established in 1994 in McDonald County, Missouri, excels in precision-grade machining, including welding, general machining, CNC turning, milling, drilling, gear teeth hobbing, shaping, and broaching. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Cooper Gear delivers precision-machined parts on time, establishing itself as a leader in the 4-State Area. The company is deeply involved in the community through events like MFG Day and is an active Chamber of Commerce member. Partnered with Crowder College, Cooper Gear develops young machinists through a USDL-allied apprenticeship program. With a commitment to producing parts with a 1/10th of an inch tolerance and an on-time delivery rate of 95% and above, President/CEO Derek Shawn Cooper's 20 years of dedication to the CNC craft is reflected in the company’s motto, "Blood, Sweat, and Gears," emphasizing their pledge to quality and customer satisfaction through a total ownership ideology.

The Challenge

Some of the existing equipment at Cooper Gear & Manufacturing could not fully support the entire machine shop, resulting in significant production losses, particularly during nighttime operations after a full day of use. The machines frequently overheated, leading to inefficiencies and further production delays. Additionally, the company's outdated HVAC systems struggled to meet current demands, failing to maintain a climate-controlled environment for optimal equipment performance. This inability to regulate temperatures exacerbated production challenges and impacted overall efficiency, leading Cooper Gear & Manufacturing to turn to Missouri Enterprise, part of the MEP National Network™, for expert assistance in addressing these critical issues.
Our collaboration with Missouri Enterprise has been invaluable from the start, guiding us through implementing the ISO 9001:2015 quality system to our current project, securing the REAP grant for energy-efficient equipment upgrades. Their expertise has boosted our competitiveness and performance while keeping costs reasonable.
— Derek Shawn Cooper, President/CEO

MEP's Role

Missouri Enterprise is an excellent resource for manufacturing companies like Cooper Gear & Manufacturing seeking to improve energy efficiency. Missouri Enterprise's experts conduct comprehensive on-site energy audits, identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs. They worked closely with Cooper Gear & Manufacturing to develop and implement tailored energy management systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices. By leveraging Missouri Enterprise's expertise, Cooper Gear & Manufacturing helped to achieve significant energy savings, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future. 
Created July 31, 2024