2011 was an eventful year for Marquardt Switches Inc. in Cazenovia. The company had been busy improving its products, facility and workforce at 2711 Route 20 East.
Having concentrated on expanding its client base, increasing the abilities of employees, enhancing the products already offered and introducing state-of-the-art equipment for consumers, Marquardt expects to continue to grow during 2012.
“The focus over the next year will be to expand our portfolio and increase our customer base. We want to pair electronics and mechanics to create systems — that’s where we see we can add value to our customers,” said President Jochen Becker. “We want to bring something to the table that not every other competitor can. We have a highly-talented workforce and basically do everything in-house.”
Every day, the factory in Cazenovia fabricates thousands of intricate mechanisms and sensors for use in the automotive, power tool and appliance markets. Marquardt switches bring power to premium coffee makers, washing machines and electric drills for manufacturers around the globe, as well as keyless ignition and LCD-display systems for high-end automobile companies.
In October the business hosted a “Tech Day” at its location in Cazenovia. Forty-five global clients were invited to learn more about the wide range of products Marquardt offers and get a sneak peek at what may be rolling out of the factory in the near future.
Among the products Marquardt highlighted were a 3D touch-free screen for automobiles, a new starter switch for off-road vehicles and an after-market push-to-start keyless system for recreational vehicles.
“We don’t just make switches, we make systems. Not every company gets to be in a Mercedes concept car in a European auto show,” said Director of Operations Kirk Wardell. “New [clients] have the same reaction when they visit Cazenovia; they are always impressed with our products and facilities, but also the high level of involvement with employees.”
In addition to its portfolio, many improvements were made to the physical layout of Marquardt’s local facility. Areas of the production, testing and shipping departments have been reorganized and simplified, utilizing much of the building’s vertical space. The cafeteria also underwent substantial improvements, along with streamlined entryways onto and off of the production floor, and many of the offices were refurbished to include natural light – enhancing employee workspace and easing electricity usage.
Amid high unemployment numbers nationwide, the company currently boasts the largest workforce in the history of the Cazenovia location, with about 450 employees. However, Marquardt is always looking for skilled workers to join its team.
About 20 openings currently exist in the year-round internship program, and the company was recently approved for a third apprenticeship. Marquardt will be looking for an individual to train as an electronic technician over the course of four years, through a plan certified by New York state.
More information on the company, products, locations, internships and apprenticeships can be found on Marquardt’s website, switches.com. To reach the facility in Cazenovia, call 655-8050 or email [email protected].
