People-First Manufacturing

How The Gund Company builds programming excellence with the help of Mastercam

Overview

When Enterprise Manufacturing Support Manager Mark Roberts walks the shop floor at The Gund Company’s Saint Louis, Missouri facility, he is not just checking operations—he is listening. That commitment to hearing what employees need to succeed drives a culture that spans facilities from Toronto to Mexico. At The Gund Company, taking care of each other is not a slogan, it is the foundation of business success.

Challenge

Maintaining manufacturing excellence across multiple North American facilities through systems that empower workers and enable rapid, high-quality programming.

Solutions

Implementing Mastercam software, visual management systems, and optimized workstation setups to drive operational efficiencies.

Results

Driving rapid programming turnaround, employee engagement scores, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Project Details

Building Success from the Shop Floor Up

Since joining The Gund Company in 2018, Mark Roberts has championed an approach that many talk about but few achieve: genuinely putting employees first. With 13 years as a machinist, Roberts knows the frustration of lacking the right tools.

“The employees should never have to walk away from the machine to do anything to set up a job,” Roberts explains. “Everything they need should be right there to their left to be able to pull it in and complete a setup.”

This philosophy extends beyond physical tools to include the company’s innovative red card system—a visual management approach that gives every employee a voice in process improvement. Workers submit ideas on simple 3×5 cards for anything from tool requirements to safety enhancements. Leadership reviews daily, providing updates and ensuring every suggestion gets a response.

“The red card system is really about empowering the employee to have a voice,” Roberts notes. “Even if you give a resolution and it’s not the resolution they were looking for, there’s still some closure and trust that gets built in that process.”

Technology as an Enabler

Just as operators have everything within reach at their workstations, The Gund Company equips programmers with Mastercam—a complete CAM solution for all of their programming needs. Its efficiency, continuity, and speed become integral to serving customers effectively.

“Mastercam is kind of like that same package of tools, but for the programmers,” Roberts explains. “The comfort level and the ease of use for our employees is taking care of each other. The ability to generate great programs in an effective, timely manner—that’s taking care of the customer. And again, that comes back around to take care of the business.”

"For our programmers, Mastercam is an essential tool. The ability to generate optimal toolpaths in an effective, timely manner allows us to take care of our customers. And that comes back around to take care of the business. It's all connected."

Mark Roberts, Manufacturing Support Manager at The Gund Company

Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce

The Gund Company’s commitment extends to future talent through partnerships with robotics teams like the Ratchet Rockers, where Roberts serves as vice president and mentor. CNC interns from these programs integrate seamlessly with experienced operators.

“They fit in very well,” Roberts says proudly. “They understand what’s expected of them without a lot of training. They know how to run a machine. They understand what quality is. The guys on the shop floor loved having them—they wanted to keep them here.”

This investment is not just tolerated—it is celebrated. Roberts shares “Celebration Friday” emails about robotics team successes, reinforcing the link between personal passion and professional excellence.

Three Pillars, One Vision

The Gund Company’s success rests on three interconnected pillars: take care of each other, take care of the customer, and take care of the business. By prioritizing employee wellbeing first, they create a ripple effect — engaged employees deliver superior customer service, which drives business success.

This is not abstract philosophy—it is practical strategy executed daily through systems like the red card program, technology investments like Mastercam, and cultural practices that celebrate achievements.

About The Gund Company

The Gund Company operates precision manufacturing facilities throughout North America, serving customers with a unique culture that prioritizes employee empowerment and continuous improvement. Through innovative management practices and strategic technology investments, they demonstrate that manufacturing excellence begins with taking care of people.

Quick Facts

Product Used: Mastercam Mill, Lathe, Dynamic Motion, CONNECT Maintenance and Support Package
Industry: Precision Manufacturing
Facilities: Saint Louis, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Toronto, New York, and Mexico