At JCS Hi-Torque, engineering isn’t just a function; it’s the foundation. We sat down with Colin Plumb, Head of Engineering, to discuss what makes JCS different behind the scenes and how in-house innovation shapes the quality of every product that leaves the factory.
Q: COLIN, CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT JCS?
Colin: I head up the engineering team here at JCS. We’re responsible for the design, manufacture, and maintenance of all our production machinery—everything from custom-built tools to ongoing upgrades across the shop floor. It’s a hands-on, end-to-end role that keeps us incredibly close to both the product and the process.
Q: JCS MANUFACTURES ALL ITS MACHINERY; WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?
Colin: It’s a massive part of what sets us apart. Because we build and maintain our machines, we’re in complete control. If we need to ramp up production or respond to a new customer requirement, we can act immediately. There’s no relying on third parties or waiting for overseas support—we’ve got the skills and the tooling on-site.
We constantly evolve our machines to improve output, consistency, and quality. This means we’re not just developing better hose clamps—we’re engineering better ways to make them.
Q: WHAT KIND OF IN-HOUSE FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE AT SUDBURY?
Colin: We’ve got a full tool room, maintenance department, and a dedicated team of engineers. One of our standout features is our in-house zinc electroplating department, where all our components are pre-treated, plated, and passivated. We have both strip plating lines and three-barrel lines, which give us total control over the quality and corrosion resistance of our clips.
Q: SO WHY DOES IN-HOUSE PLATING MATTER TO CUSTOMERS?
Colin: Simple—it guarantees consistency. Every batch that leaves our site has gone through a quality-controlled, fully traceable plating process. We’re not adjusting to someone else’s spec. We’re meeting our high standards every time.
Finish matters, especially in industries like marine, automotive, or industrial processing. Our plating adds that extra layer of durability, and by handling it ourselves, we ensure no compromise.
Q: WHAT’S THE IMPACT OF THIS ENGINEERING CONTROL ON PRODUCT QUALITY?
Colin: It means we don’t cut corners. We build everything with longevity and performance in mind. From machine design to plating finish, every step is under our control, and that shows in the final product. That’s why our customers come back—and why some have been with us for decades.
Q: AND FINALLY, WHAT DRIVES YOU PERSONALLY IN THIS ROLE?
Colin: It’s the constant improvement. Every time we make something more efficient or more precise, that’s a win. We’re always looking for ways to produce a better, more consistent, higher-quality product. It’s a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding, especially when you see how trusted our clamps are out in the real world.
WANT TO SEE BEHIND THE SCENES AT JCS?
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