Supporting Blue Collar Workers

Hello, I’d like to share a few ideas on supporting blue-collar workers. This is something I’ve felt strongly about and something we strive to do at ICC International. I’m specifically talking about blue-collar manufacturing but it can apply to other industries as well.

I began my manufacturing/engineering career almost forty years ago in the automotive industry before joining ICC in 1998. During this time our country has lost a significant number of manufacturing jobs (and knowledge). Issues such as operations being sent overseas, apprenticeship programs being discontinued, and senior employees retiring have all contributed to the problem.

In addition, our society has fostered the perception that everyone should earn a four-year degree. White-collar jobs have been viewed as a sign of success while blue-collar jobs have been regarded as somewhat second class. This mentality has placed more value on perceived social status than on someone’s natural talents and interests. All of this has resulted in decades where the number of skilled, blue-collar workers leaving the workforce has outweighed the number entering it.

OK, enough of the bad stuff. Today is much brighter for those desiring a career in manufacturing. As described above, there is a shortage of skilled, blue-collar workers. Our electric motor repair industry, for example, has a high demand for machinists, mechanics, electricians, assemblers, operators, etc. Higher demand creates higher wages. Blue-collar workers can build a career with very attractive wages and little (or no) student debt. In our state, the Tennessee Promise program provides free tuition for two-year trade schools and community colleges.

The future of manufacturing depends on having a continuing supply of high-quality, blue-collar workers. By promoting these careers at high schools, job fairs, chambers of commerce, etc., manufacturers can help change the past perception of blue-collar while also contributing to their own future success. People should hear that blue-collar jobs are a respectable and essential part of our economy.

We also need to support our existing blue-collar employees. One way is letting them know (with words AND actions) why they are important. In manufacturing, they are the ones who actually make the product and create wealth. Everyone else, although essential, is basically the support staff. We tell our shop employees they literally help keep the world running.

Another way is by instilling pride. Doing your job well is something to be proud of. Being part of a team that produces a great product is something to be proud of. Being a craftsman is something to be proud of. There are many reasons for blue-collar workers to be proud of what they do. Again, let them know this with words and actions.

Last year I saw a “Support Blue Collar” t-shirt and felt that it captured my long-held views. As I wore it to work our employees would ask about it and I would express my opinion about some of the things I’ve mentioned here. We then had our own Support Blue Collar shirts printed and gave them to all our employees. Now they are regularly worn by ICC staff regardless of their role. This is just one example of something simple that can have a positive effect.

I encourage everyone in manufacturing to show your support for blue-collar. Thanks for reading.



Shawn Lyke

ICC International President and CEO

ICC CFO, Tracy Queen and her twin sister, Stacy Miller co-chair the 2023 United Way Campaign.

The 2023 United Way of Blount County Campaign has officially started and based on the crowd at the kick-off luncheon - folks are ready and excited!

History is being made with the first set of twins as campaign co-chairs! Check out the Wonder Twins hype video! To help them reach their $2.2 Million goal you can donate here.

WHAT DOES YOUR CUP SAY ABOUT YOU?

You can tell a lot about a person by their coffee mug ☕️

I love seeing the ICC’s team's personalities shine through their cups – it reminds me that a team is not just a collection of professionals, but a group of unique individuals with diverse strengths and qualities. By understanding and appreciating these differences, we can create a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration and growth.

So, tell us in the comments, which coffee cup are you?

  • The Inspirational Quote – Your enthusiasm inspires and uplifts others, creating a motivational atmosphere in the team.

  • The Punch Line – You don’t take yourself too seriously and bring laughter and levity to the workplace.

  • The Sentimental Cup – You appreciate the meaningful relationships and experiences that shape you.

  • The Free Swag Mug– You're a problem-solver who knows how to leverage the resources available to get the job done efficiently.

These seemingly mundane objects can offer valuable insights into someone’s personality and work style, and as leaders, paying attention to these details can help us better understand and support our team members.

ICC COMPANY UPDATE

ICC COMPANY UPDATE

While Laura’s presence will always be missed by everyone at ICC International, her legacy will continue to live on in the company she played such an integral part in building. As the company launches into the next important phase in its long and illustrious history, we’re excited about the opportunity to build on the remarkable foundations of this business so it will grow for many years to come.

2022 Pinnacle Business Awards - Woman-Owned Business Excellence Award: Laura Lyke, ICC International

Thank you. I thought I was excited about being nominated. Now, this!

People first, right? I love what I do. I never really thought that it would be manufacturing in the electric motor space around the world, but why not? To all of us, this is more than an award to a successful business. It is validation and recognition of the fact that all business is about people. Staff, customers, vendors, community, … people who have learned that everything they do, as individuals, makes a difference. Do what you say you will. Learn from mistakes. Never sacrifice quality. And try not to make decisions you are ashamed of. Today, in 2022 with all the challenges of recent times, we have the very best team of people we have ever had.

Think about this: our amazing customers are companies who can choose to work with anyone at all. Around the globe. They are choosing ICC. Here in East Tennessee a world away from more than half of them.

No business succeeds on its own. We made a decision that if ICC was going to grow, the health of our industry was paramount, and we have a responsibility to help make it stronger.

Where we are now and where we are going, is a direct result of these efforts. Our people-first culture makes us different, and it makes us better.

Thank you to those of you through the Knoxville Chamber who looked at who we are and decided to award us this honour.

Thank you to Shawn, and Tracy, and Jason, DaLynn, Pam, Jay, Keith, Johnny, Dwayne, Brent, Joe, John, Michelle, Krista and every one of the incredible staff who make ICC special, whether they have been with us 2 months or 32 years.

Evan and Kate, my beautiful girls, remember always that you can do anything and that I love you dearly.

And thank you, to this community, for making this home.

Congratulations fellow East Tennessee Businesses

We would like to congratulate our fellow East Tennessee businesses for being named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. East TN has been home to ICC for 37 years, and we couldn’t imagine being headquartered anywhere else. Being a part of the economic growth of the area is a responsibility and a privilege. At ICC we believe that being recognized on this list is not only a win for ICC and the DC motor industry but for our community as well. We are proud to stand among this group in the community and do our part to bring jobs and business to the state of Tennessee. Thank you Knoxville News Sentinel read the article here.

RDI Technologies Inc. KaTom Restaurant Supply, Inc. @KarenCoffey Arsenal Strength ONE Business Solutions
Boston Government Services, LLC (BGS) Crown Laboratories, Inc. Ole Smoky Distillery, LLC RCN Technologies Axle Logistics @K & P Enterprises Priority Ambulance Mac's Pharmacy FourSeasons Incorporated

Perfection. Detail. Pride in accomplishment.

Perfection. Detail. Pride in accomplishment.

These things are cultural. Is culture about geography or mindset? I would argue that it is mindset and therefore something that can be developed. Once obtained, it is to be cherished, as it translates into continuous improvement and dedication to a craft. In turn, in our case, it makes the industrial world better. I am very proud to be able to showcase these examples of the culture at ICC.

Commutators, commutator repair, slip rings, commutator replacement

If one is good, are three better?

The advantages of managing multiple large projects at once are multifold.

Urgency, attention to detail, efficiency and skill become highlighted. But people working together in a way that sometimes appears like a living breathing jigsaw puzzle, brings an intensity and enthusiasm that reminds all of us that what we do is important, and that every one of us is indispensable.

commutators, commutator repair, commutator replacement, large commutators

Goodbye 2020.

While turning the page on the calendar does not guarantee change nor success, it does bring a renewed mindset.

I have learned that we are in control of nothing but our own personal reactions and decisions.

ICC is incredibly fortunate to have thus far weathered the storm thanks to our loyal partners and truly committed employees, but we too are eager to begin a new year. Our 2021 wish for everyone is that all challenges are conquered with grace, humility, and kindness.

Happy New Year!
Laura

2021 NEW YEAR.jpg

Expansion Renovation Update - December 2020

I have several good qualities. Patience is not one of them. However in these crazy times, we are moving steadily towards completion of our expansion, and I am so excited! With several new pieces of equipment and a complete reorg, the improvements in capabilities, workflow and efficiency will make the chaos worth every minute.

ICC International Expansion

Grazie Mille.

Grazie Mille. That is just about the sum total of my Italian vocabulary (I am working on that). Can you imagine the feelings associated with being given your very first chance to prove that you are different and better?

This comm… all 656 bars and almost 2 metres in diameter of it, was our first OEM project for Europe. It represents a belief in making DC better. In taking extra effort to make the best process and material decisions. To be unwilling to give up on an industry or the people in it. And I am thankful on more levels than can be described.

My dream is to have ICC be the only true high level large industrial commutator manufacturer on earth - and this is an important step. We will earn your trust, just give us the chance.

Grazie Mille,
Laura

Grazie Mille, Commutator, Italy, Italian Job, Large commutator

Glassband Commutators - Getting it Right

Incredible but true. Glassband commutator fabrication is tricky business, and the cost of getting it wrong is enormous.

Your first visual sign of a segment pack that is loose on the core may be the risers as shown below (image 1). The shift of the segment pack versus the coils becomes visible, ultimately resulting in complete failure (image 2). The cause can be twofold: Worst is if the commutator was installed incorrectly to the mica wrapped hub and the whole assembly spins on the core. Alternatively, the outer bands may have deteriorated (image 3). If the bands have not been coated, or have been subjected to excessive heat, the resin will burn away, or carbon that has infiltrated burns invisibly from the inside out and the bands give way. In this design, those bands are the only thing holding segments in place.

The lesson? Make sure it’s tight in manufacturing with a retained interference fit to specific standards, and ensure that band inspection is part of your routine maintenance, especially in extreme environmental conditions.

For the record, while I normally post photos of things we build, this is the exception and not one of ours!

Glassband Commuttor, GE commuttor, OEM Commutator, Commutator repair, commutator replacement

Inc. 5000... Really?!

When recently preparing a presentation on leadership, I headed to the floor and asked my guys what I was good at and what I wasn’t. I got many answers (some I might frankly rather not have heard).

One conversation stood out though. “Sometimes, Laura, your expectations seem a little out of line.” I asked if they were too low 😉. They came back, though, and said, “But, whenever you throw something out there that we think is impossible, the next thing we know, we made it happen. Suddenly, we realize that we are better than we thought.”

That ability to all work together, to strive, and to grow has somehow, in these crazy times, resulted in ICC being named to the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America. I have been told that DC is dying for my entire tenure. We believe in this industry, and we believe in our customers.

Together we are driving growth and making DC better. Thank you to all inside and outside of ICC who helped make this happen. This is a win for DC, and we are so honored. Inc. Magazine

Inc 5000, award, fastest growing companies, commutators

DC is Still Alive and Thriving!

DC is still alive and well, especially the big stuff.

This steel and segment pack are for two extra-large jobs we have in house this month. We have more in the works and more on the way. Every one of these projects is for an international customer, and we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of keeping critical business up and running around the world.

DC Motor, DC Commutator, electric motor, Large DC Motors

Let's talk about flux contamination and the damage it can cause.

When soldering coils into the risers of a commutator, the worst potential consequence is flux contamination, especially in solid riser comms. The same flux that cleans the copper to permit the solder to adhere uniformly to the risers creates a potential for contamination that can destroy a commutator.

Flux contamination can occur during the soldering process when flux and/or excess solder seeps away from the riser slots and finds its way to the underside of the commutator. Because the flux and solder are conductive, they render the mica insulation useless. When the insulation can no longer prevent electricity from jumping from bar to bar, the commutator shorts out. Once the mica insulation is contaminated, almost nothing can be done to restore its insulating properties. When the commutator shorts out due to flux contamination, there are usually only two options: Reinsulate (replacing all mica insulation throughout the commutator) or rebuild.

When inspecting a commutator for flux contamination, look for discoloration of the copper bars. The discoloration may take several forms. Streaks of solder and flux are silver in color; carbon residue where arcing has occurred is black; contaminated copper bars can take on a darker, mottled and greenish coppery hue, or the contaminated area may just appear lighter than others. Compare the rear dovetail to the front, since the front will be free of contamination. As always, when taking a comm apart, be sure to band it tightly and bake it before attempting to remove the v-rings.

There are several ways to reduce the risk of flux contamination during the soldering process:

  • While soldering, angle the comm so that flux and solder run away from, and not toward, the bottom of the comm.

  • Use flux and solder sparingly.

  • Flux and solder small sections of the comm at a time.

  • Use a rosin-core solder to reduce the need for flux, or a flux- based solder so the solder contains the flux.

If the commutator is contaminated, some solvents will clear minor contamination, but call your ICC representative at any time for advice on how to proceed. 865-983-7444 or info@iccinternational.com

If you have any technical questions don't hesitate to call, we can talk you though the troubleshooting process. 865-983-7444