Natex Engineering was founded in 1957, and has continually evolved to ensure it remains at the forefront of manufacturing technology. Their wide range of machinery that allows for flexibility to produce one of the widest range of parts in the industry. They supply most industries, including Australia’s Trucking, Automotive, Mining, Gas, Agriculture, Building, Manufacturing and food industries.
Founded in 1957, Natex Engineering began as a manual repetition production company. Over the years, the company built a reputation for delivering precision parts, but its journey has been far from linear. In 1979, the company saw a pivotal transition when Steven’s father, who was then the shop foreman, purchased Natex from its previous owner. From a young age, Steven was immersed in the company’s operations, gaining firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the business.
Steven’s professional background is in electronic engineering and computer science, which gave him a unique perspective when he officially joined the family business in 2003. He brought a vision for modernizing Natex and steering it towards greater efficiency through the integration of advanced technologies. By 2022, Steven completed his transition to leadership by purchasing the company from his father, ready to take Natex to the next level.
Like many manufacturing businesses, Natex faced significant challenges that tested the resilience of its leadership and workforce. The most dramatic occurred in 2015, when the company nearly went bankrupt. At that point, the company had to make difficult decisions to survive. Steven spearheaded a pivot in their strategy, investing in SolidCAM to improve machining operations. This marked the beginning of Natex’s journey towards embracing more sophisticated technologies to stay competitive in an evolving industry.
A turning point came when Steven discovered ProShop ERP while listening to the MakingChips podcast. The episode showcased ProShop’s innovative approach to integrating all aspects of manufacturing—from tooling and inventory management to scheduling and quality assurance—in one system. This discovery came at a time when Natex needed a comprehensive solution to manage operations more efficiently and at scale.
Initially, implementing ProShop wasn’t easy. As with many businesses transitioning to a new system, there was initial resistance from the shop floor. Some employees were hesitant to adopt the new processes, uncertain about how it would affect their work. However, over time, as the benefits of ProShop became increasingly clear, the resistance faded. Employees saw how ProShop simplified their day-to-day operations, and the transition from paper-based systems to digital workflows dramatically improved their efficiency.
One of the most significant changes was in data management. Prior to ProShop, Natex had two employees dedicated solely to data entry. With ProShop’s integrated system, they were able to eliminate these roles, saving money and allowing those resources to be redirected to more value-adding activities. As Steven put it, “Everything is at your fingertips.” ProShop provided a centralized platform that streamlined operations, enabling easy access to critical information on fixtures, tooling, equipment, and quality assurance.
Steven’s forward-thinking approach is evident in the way he has steered Natex towards continuous improvement. He has a natural inclination for looking ahead, always seeking ways to enhance processes and stay at the forefront of industry trends. When Natex decided to pursue AS9100 certification, a global quality management standard for the aerospace industry, Steven knew that ProShop would be essential for achieving this goal.
Previously, Natex had used M1 ERP, but when Steven approached the software developers for help with meeting AS9100 standards, the system fell short. In contrast, ProShop was built with AS9100 compliance in mind, making the certification process far smoother. ProShop’s structured workflows, traceability features, and documentation control gave Natex the tools they needed to meet the rigorous standards required for aerospace manufacturing. Over a 12-month period, and with close engagement from ProShop’s team, Natex successfully achieved both ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications.
Steven’s commitment to Kaizen, the philosophy of continuous improvement, has become ingrained in Natex’s culture. He believes in striving to be “1% better” every day, and ProShop has provided the infrastructure to support that goal. From time tracking that improved job costing to comprehensive quality control features, Natex’s operations have steadily become more efficient, accurate, and scalable. Steven is particularly proud of how ProShop has helped the company evolve: “ProShop has everything we need to take us to the next level.”
As Natex looks ahead, its focus is firmly on growth in the aerospace and defense sectors. Working closely with the Office of Defense Industry Support, Steven aims to position Natex as a key player in building a robust Australian defense supply chain. The company is targeting lower-volume markets for larger parts, where precision and reliability are critical. With the foundation laid by ProShop, Natex is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of this industry.
In January 2024, Natex will hold a strategic planning session to chart the next phase of their growth. One of Steven’s goals is to grow efficiently, adding capacity while maintaining the high standards of quality and precision that Natex is known for. He wants Natex to become a world-class aerospace company, a goal that is within reach thanks to the continuous improvement efforts and the technology infrastructure provided by ProShop.
Reflecting on Natex’s journey, Steven says he is more proud of the company today than at any other time in its history. The difficult times they faced in 2015 forced the company to mature and make crucial changes, and he believes that without ProShop, they would not have achieved their current level of success. The training provided by ProShop has empowered his team, ensuring that they can maximize the software’s potential and continue improving their processes.
After implementing ProShop ERP, Natex Engineering experienced significant improvements, leading to the following impactful results:
Certifications: Achieved both ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications in just 12 months.
Efficiency: Continuous improvement led to a 25% increase in overall efficiency.
Growth: Natex aims to capture growth in the aerospace and defense sectors, targeting a 20% increase in market share by 2025.
Vision for Excellence: The company aims to expand production capacity while maintaining its 99% quality assurance rating.
Maximizing Precision: Employee training using ProShop has led to a 40% reduction in operational errors.
Natex Engineering’s transformation from a struggling business to a forward-thinking aerospace manufacturer has been driven by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. ProShop ERP has been a critical partner in this journey, providing the tools and systems Natex needed to streamline operations, achieve AS9100 certification, and position itself for future growth in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Steven’s leadership, combined with ProShop’s capabilities, has set Natex on a path to becoming a world-class company. As they continue to evolve, Natex’s story serves as an inspiring example of how the right technology, combined with a visionary mindset, can unlock new levels of success.