From the Helm Posts

[Post by Chuck Krugh, August 2, 2024] I wanted to write this blog for a while as, over the years, I have had this conversation quite a few times with people considering a move out of the tools into a salaried or management role. It’s one of the hardest moves for an individual to make, Read More >

[Post by Chuck Krugh, July 19, 2024] We are continuing the focus on safety that began with last week’s blog on The Human Factors That Affect Our Safety, which introduced the Deadly Dozen. This week, I would like to call attention to the ways in which we are improving our communication about workplace hazards. I Read More >

[Post by Chuck Krugh, July 12, 2024] The events of the past week have been a sobering reminder of why we want everyone to work safely. Our colleagues at our fellow General Dynamics business unit, Ordinance and Tactical Systems, have suffered a tragic loss this week. The person who lost his life at work was Read More >

[Post by Chuck Krugh, July 3, 2024] As a proud American, Independence Day is an important day of celebration that comes every year on the fourth of July. It is usually a day full of activities, from parades, town celebrations, barbeques and concerts all with family and friends, to the fireworks display marking the end Read More >

[Post by Chuck Krugh, June 28, 2024] One of the things I frequently hear about is micromanagement. However, I don’t believe we have a shared understanding of what it really means. Is it always bad? When is it appropriate? When does it indicate a deeper problem that needs addressing? So, what does micromanagement mean? Let’s Read More >

[Post by Chuck Krugh, June 21, 2024] Last week, I described how a company like ours compares to our family or household around the topic of making money. An important part of making money is spending it in the right way so you don’t run out of it and you don’t waste it. So this Read More >

[Post by Chuck Krugh, June 14, 2024] Have you ever thought about why companies exist? Why does BIW exist? For that matter, why does any company exist – Walmart, Lowe’s, Amazon, Apple, etc.? Do you think BIW is here to provide jobs and employment? Is it for building ships? Maybe selling products? Keeping customers happy? Read More >

[Post by Chuck Krugh, June 7, 2024] Are you curious? Why would I ask you that question? Why would I want to write a blog about whether you are curious? What could this possibly have to do with our business? You might wonder how this relates to my recent blogs about tools, fixtures and jigs. Read More >

[Post by Chuck Krugh, May 31, 2024] Picking up where I left off in the blog Tools, Fixtures and Jigs – What?, I thought it would be good to explore fixtures in a little more depth. I believe this is an area that can help us improve our production process, reduce hours and cycle time Read More >

[Post by Chuck Krugh, May 24, 2024] I don’t know where the first part of the year went. It has just seemed to fly by. You might feel that way, too. And now we find ourselves at Memorial Day 2024. Like last year, I want to take a few minutes to remember how important this Read More >