KC Machine, Excelsior Springs, Missouri, is observing its 35th anniversary.

The firm, which specializes in mobile and on-site servicing, repairing, rebuilding and calibrating of CNC and manual equipment, was founded as KC Rebuilding in 1968 by Bob Phillips in a 2-car garage.

Today the company is owned by Roger Wade and Keith Diebold (Phillips still pitches in when of two needed) and operates out of two facilities with almost 4,000-sq.-ft. of space.

Equipment in the facilities includes: welding equipment, mills, lathes and grinders.

"Having shop facilities gives us a real advantage in providing quality service for our customers," stated Wade.

Wade and Diebold are industry veterans. Both started in the NTMA apprenticeship program. Wade, Diebold and Phillips have over 80 years of industrial experience between them.

KC Machine services all kinds and brands of equipment. The crew has worked on equipment made in the 1920's to brand new CNC equipment. Examples include: mills, lathes, shears, presses, brakes and special equipment.

"We provide mechanical, hydraulic and electric service on equipment," noted Diebold. "We also have a strategic alliance with a local company that services electronics."

The company offers some unique services including: emergency repairs, way scraping, repairing cracked castings, Turcite(R) way replacement and maintenance programs.

"We treat our customers right," noted Wade. "We have lots of repeat business."

KC Machine serves lots of different industries in the Kansas City metro area and across Mid-America.

As the trio discussed the company's 35-year history, they did note that about 90% of equipment breakdowns are caused by improper or contaminated lubrication. The firm belongs to The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers which helps them stay current on lubrication issues.