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George was born February 22,1935 in Avon MN to Frank and Margaret (Skaj) Molus. He married Margaret Bechtold on August 13,1957 at St. Joseph's Church in St. Joseph MN. After graduating from Tech High School in 1953, George served in the US Army and then settled in St. Joseph. He worked as a machinist and foreman at DeZurik in Sartell for 20 years. In 1966 George started KOMO Machine in St. Cloud with his brother-in-law Bill Koska (the KO and MO) in KOMO. The two men were accomplished machinists and engineers who began their operation as a general metal working business producing a variety of manual and automated production line machines for major manufacturers of consumer appliances. By 1980, KOMO had become the largest single manufacturer of automated urethane process machines in North America. |
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Komo Machine salutes George Molus for the
accomplishments in his life and he will forever be remembered. |
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For the Complete obituary and Service times, click here. |
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Stonexpo 2005 Is Public Debut for the Summit Stone Machining Center |
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Stonexpo 2005 was held in Las Vegas, NV for first time. Another first was the introduction of the Komo Summit Stone Machining Center. With its first public appearance, the Summit took center stage at the show impressing attendees with its shear size and speed. Not only were the attendees impressed, but much of the competition was in awe of the massive machine.
The Summit Stone Machining Center comes out of 39 years of Komo's CNC experience. Solidifying itself as the premier wood router in the industry, the natural progression to stone was inevitable. The Summit machine was not a redesign, but a full engineering and technical investigation on what the stone industry was looking for in a machine. The result of this led to a 12 foot by 6 foot table, 30,000 lb. machine to offer the Stone industry rigidity for a high quality finish. But do not let the weight fool you, this machine also has the fastest traverse rates in the industry with X and Y travels up to 3,150 inches per minute. This allows for faster tool changes and quicker cycles. All of this is backed by our Two Year standard warranty. Many of the attendees in the booth were amazed by the speed and accuracy of the machine. The onlookers also took note of the construction commenting that it was one of the most well built machines they have seen. Sales Manager, John Pardi, talked with many of the attendees along with the whole Komo staff and basically heard nothing but good responses. Komo is definitely one of the major players in the Stone industry for CNC Machining Centers. WMS Toronto Again Shows off Komo's Impressive Solution Series Machine The WMS Show in Toronto was held at the International Centre. This show again proved that Komo is making it known that it is in Canada to stay. With the high speed cutting of MDF doors and Melamine cabinets, Komo impressed the many booth attendees that stopped in. The Solution 510 Traveling Gantry displayed at the show was used to show the versatility of the Komo machine. Although the smallest in our CNC product line, the Solution was designed with all of the qualities as our other larger machines. Holding the same accuracy tolerances and high speed cutting that everyone has come to expect from Komo.
Showing off the versatility of the machine, decorative figures adorned the booth to add some pizzazz. Gaining many looks, the eagle, dinosaur, and airplane proved what accuracy and versatility can offer a company. Local dealer Wendell Beach from Beach Technologies represented Komo very well in the Canada regions and continued to inform and answer attendees questions and concerns. The show proved to be very exciting for both the attendees and Komo Machine, Inc.
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Komo is expanding its reach further in China with the opening of its NEW Technology Center in Nanjing, China in association with PMC China. The official opening was held on September 21st, 2005 with the General Manager of PMC China, Lewis Young, President of Komo Machine, Charles Zajaczkowski, Executive Vice President of Komo Machine, Jeff Erickson and Distinguished Government Officials. The opening ceremony was filled with speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a traditional fireworks display.
Following the opening ceremonies, an open house was held for invited guests and dignitaries. Komo Machine has a Solution Series 510 Traveling Gantry machine located in the facility for training and demonstrations. With a full training and service center, Komo continues its tradition of offering the highest quality machines and superior customer service.
Komo employs a full time sales contact at the center, Mary Ma, who will handle all of China. Kaizer International will continue to be a dealer for Komo Machine in the Aerospace Divsion for all of China and Locus, a new dealer, will be working with Komo in the Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian Provinces with wood, plastic, composites and stone applications. Komo is pleased to have them on board.
Demonstrations were run on the Solution machine including Nested Based MDF doors and a nested melamine cabinet demonstration. Applications Technician Steven Mehr also showed the Solution machining aluminum and plastic parts demonstrating the versatility of the machine. Opening the eyes of the onlookers, the Solution impressed with its speed and accuracy. In association with Komo Machine, Planit Solution's Don Bigelow gave a software demonstration of their new Cabinet Builder software and Paul Roza from Benz Aggregates gave an explanation of the advantage and versatility that aggregates can provide to the machining process. The Open House proved to be a success.
With much interest and excitement, Komo and PMC China look forward to
establishing Komo as the premiere CNC Machine Center in China |
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Many heads were turning due to the two NEW Material Handling Systems from Komo Machine, Inc. The Automatic Material Handling System for the Komo VR Mach Series showed off the increased productivity of a machine that will load, clean and unload nested parts on a VR Mach Series machine. The cycle time was approximately 25 seconds and emphasized the increase in productivity.
Video of Komo Automatic Material Handling System The next NEW option provided by Komo Machine is the Automated Material Handling system for the Solution Traveling Gantry Series machine. Based on the same concept of increasing your productivity, the Automated system will remove the nested parts from the machining table and clean the table as it completes its cycle. This requires only that your operator load the new material on the router and allows them to start the machining cycle while they sort out the finished parts.
Designed to increase your productivity, the two NEW Material Handling Systems allow for greater operator safety and faster output for your company. As always, great attendance was seen in the Komo Machine booth. Offering a spinning wheel with assorted prizes and an easy to get around booth layout, the Komo booth was sure to impress. Keeping with the tradition of showing live cutting at shows, Komo showed some NEW features from Router-CIM 2006 Automation Suite like Stay Down Cutting and Common Line Cutting that are available in the Advanced Nesting Module.
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Fun was had by all that attended this years Summer Picnic for Komo Machine, Inc. Held at Molitar's Trout Heaven, a variety of food, games, and activities were planned to show Komo's appreciation for its employees. Starting the day off, Komo invited employees and their families to come tour the Komo facility. After the Open House, lunch was served at Molitar's Trout Heaven located near by. Fun and games were after lunch. A beautiful day helped bring in many of the Komo employees and their families. Topping the day off was the President of Komo Machine flying down the zip line into the adjacent quarry.
Komo appreciates all who were involved in making this one of the best events of the year. |
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Komo Remembers
One of its Founders September 9, 1917 - July 1, 2005 |
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William "Bill" Koska has passed at the age of 87. William
Koska started Komo Machine with George Molus in 1966. The combination of the
last names created the name "Komo." A true entrepreneur, Bill was a self
taught mechanical engineer and machinist. Serving time in the United States
Army Air Corp and working with a 4F racing team made Bill a truly gifted
machinist. With all the accomplishments in his life, Bill's greatest
accomplishment was being a husband, father and a grandparent. He is
survived by his wife Lorraine; children: Wayne and Diane; grandchildren:
Daniel, Matthew, Jennifer, Franklin, and Charlotte.
Komo Machine salutes William "Bill" Koska for the accomplishments in his life and he will forever be remembered. |
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At Komo, we have so much faith in our machines that we can back them with a two year warranty. We know that we make the best CNC machines on the market and we are not afraid to stand behind them. Our expertise is second to none and ensures the machine you order will deliver the level of performance you need. We build all of our machines from the ground up -- for every customer and every machine. This commitment to quality allows us to offer this lasting warranty. Our customers are important to us and we want to give them a strong sense of security when they purchase one of our machines. This warranty helps prove that we are not just about selling them a machine, but are offering them an innovative CNC solution that will endure the test of time. We believe that customer support is the cornerstone of our company and should continue to be throughout the life of their machine. The peace of mind given to the customer reinforces this fact and lets them know that we will be there when they need us. We at Komo Machine,
Inc. are raising the bar to ensure that you achieve the level of performance
from your machine that you demand and expect from our machines.
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The two latest shows for Komo Machine, Inc., Carolina’s Expo and the Mid-Atlantic Expo, proved why Komo is #1 in the CNC router market. The Carolina’s
Industrial Woodworking Expo held in Greensboro, North Carolina gave Komo
Machine a chance to display the speed and accuracy of the VR Mach II SHO.
Komo, known for its heavy demonstrating at shows, showed the VR Mach II SHO
cutting through material at 3150 inches per minute.
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Blasting through material was just the beginning. Komo also ran MDF doors and used its machine to make give away magazine racks. The always popular lizard was also a big hit. Following suit at the Mid-Atlantic Industrial Woodworking Expo held in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, Komo’s VR Mach II SHO impressed again. Not only bringing in people that were new to the CNC market, but also bringing in existing customers that were proud of their machine purchase.
Continuing with giving away
memorabilia, Komo designed miniature Liberty bells to hand out to the
attendees visiting the booth. Another attraction was the hardwood CD/DVD
rack that showed the ability of the machine to do C-Axis cutting.
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Making dust and showing the machine's potential has given Komo Machine a distinct flair at these regional shows. Sponsoring the S. O. S. (Spray Operator Skills) competition has helped Komo build a strong relationship with attendees at the regional shows. Providing pre-routered plaques for this skills competition let the attendees show off some of their skill and talent. Both shows were put on by Trade Shows, Incorporated (TSI). Doing an outstanding job, TSI Expos has proven to be one of the top expo companies in the business. |
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August 26-29, 2004 Atlanta, Georgia--Komo Machine, Inc. had a successful showing at the International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair-USA (IWF) held every two years in Atlanta, Georgia. Komo proved at this show that it is one of the top manufactures in CNC Routers. Komo not only offers high-quality CNC Routers, but offers one of the best warranties; a two-year full warranty, true 24/7/365 customer service, and a knowledgeable sales staff. Komo proved that the industry was back on track by showing four machines; including the NEW Solution Traveling Gantry and the Mach II SHO series which improves on our already leading acceleration and deceleration rates. We obtained one of the largest booths in company history. The effort proved to be worthwhile with the record number of people that visited the booth. The show also was a launching pad for the Router-CIM 2005 Automation Suite which won rave reviews from the spectators. Komo put the idea in everybody’s mind that they are the industry leaders in CNC routers, software, and that Komo is stronger than ever. |
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New Leader Drives Komo's Comeback Sauk Rapids Business Rebuilds Image, Work Force, Morale
By Sue Halena August 12, 2004, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota - Charles Zajaczkowski remembers coming to his new job Dec. 18 with one question: Do we really have a company left? It didn't take long for the new president of Komo Machine Inc. to determine that a strong brand plus valuable equipment plus loyal workers equaled a yes. Eight months after launching deep layoffs, the industrial router maker has partially restored its work force and calmed customers. It has squelched rumors of closure and laid the foundation for a powerful presence this month at the biggest trade show in its industry. That's good news for workers and the city of Sauk Rapids. "We've seen a lot of ups and downs around here," engineer Keith Card said. "Morale is a lot better. You can see it when you walk around the shop." Employment is almost 100, and rising. That's only one-third of the company's all-time high but almost a 30 percent increase from the start of the year. Monthly orders are increasing from 12 machines in July to 20 in September. As of July, sales were closing at twice the company's expectations. "The city is very excited about the turnaround over at Komo," Todd Schultz said. Schultz, Sauk Rapid's community development director, said city officials have visited Komo to hear about the shop's new direction. Zajaczkowski credits employees; employee Tony Fiereck says workers appreciate Zajaczkowski's leadership style. He comes with more than nine years of experience at other subsidiaries owned by Komo's parent company, PMC Inc. He held executive positions at three of the six companies. Komo continues to focus on making computer-controlled routers that cut wood, aluminum, plastic and composite materials. About 60 percent of the machines it makes are for woodworking businesses, including some of the nation's largest furniture manufacturers. Others go to aerospace or automotive businesses. Restoration Troubles came from lagging demand for the automated equipment Komo once produced, Chinese competition in the router business and some bad management decisions, Zajaczkowski said. For 18 months, competitors in the struggling industry had taken advantage of Komo's faltering position to suggest that the manufacturer might not be around to serve new accounts. That's a serious matter for customers spending $125,000 or more on a machine. Communication and visibility are at the heart of the turnaround strategy. Zajaczkowski tells employees about company financials and expectations at monthly half-hour meetings. The only way you fix problems is to get everybody involved, he said. His first few months were full of phone conversations with customers. He talked about Komo's budget, production and hiring plans - signs of its commitment to stay in the game. He also was in touch with Komo's 18 distributors. "It was stressful at times," he said. Image and Beyond The company is beefing up advertising and tradeshow activity - areas that had been cut in hard times. A new brochure emphasizes Komo workers' skills. Internal cash flow pays for the promotional work - not an infusion of new PMC investment. Low interest rates and improving economic conditions are helping orders grow. Large manufacturers are replacing machines that are worth half a million dollars or more. One customer needs three machines within four months so it can cut aluminum plates for plasma TVs. Some employees are testing new ideas, including a business plan that would turn some machine milling equipment into a profit center for contract projects. "We're going to try to capitalize on that a little bit," Zajaczkowski said. And a few old ideas have gone out the window. Zajaczkowski reversed an earlier decision to sell machines made in Taiwan. Komo is finding new ways to keep the customer happy, even taking a few routers on trade-in. Loyal Crew Some things needed no change: Employees already had well-honed a production process and quality checks. "The work force here is unbelievable," he said. Central Minnesota has long been known for its productivity. Zajaczkowski also notices a strong ethical backbone and dedication to the job. "I'm not sure if I'd been put through the same things as they were over the last two years that I'd be as dedicated to Komo," he said. "Anything we ask them, they jump up and do. You never hear, `No we can't do that.' " Restructuring Komo had about 80 workers nationwide and was scheduled to go down to 72 when Zajaczkowski arrived. Layoffs stemmed from widespread downturns in manufacturing and Komo's exit from the equipment making business. Besides routers, the company previously built assembly-line equipment for manufacturers such as Electrolux Home Products. The company has hired or rehired 21 workers since Jan. 1 and hopes to hire more before the end of the year. Those who were rehired came back at the same pay levels. The core staff that stayed through the transition avoided mud-slinging sales pitches and aimed to prove their endurance, said Jeff Erickson, director of sales and marketing. Soon customers saw that Erickson and other longtime employees were still around. Zajaczkowski's clear plan for regrowing the business helped turn the tide, Erickson said. "Each month it gets a little bit easier to tell that story because here are the facts to back it up," Erickson said. Komo plans to show off four routers and secure a month's worth of work at the International Woodworkers Federation show this month in Atlanta. The company has always taken fewer than four machines to the show before. "I want to make a statement," Zajaczkowski said. The display area will be as big as a house - 4,000 square feet. The message will echo in the daily routines of the Sauk Rapids shop. "The only way we are going to prove we aren't going out of business is to stay in business," Zajaczkowski said. About Komo *Started: 1966 Copyright© St. Cloud Times. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, Inc. |
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January 9, 2004, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota - With an unending desire to provide current and future customers with leading-edge CNC Router equipment, industry-leading CIM-Tech software, and unparalleled customer service and support, Komo Machine, Inc. is very pleased to welcome Mr. Charles Zajaczkowski as its new President. Mr. Zajaczkowski most recently served as the President of Futura Coatings, Inc. where under his leadership the company was built into one of the most profitable leaders in the coatings industry. He is credited with streamlining operations, building an outstanding customer service-oriented team and focusing on strategic growth markets. As a proven leader, Mr. Zajaczkowski draws from a wide range of professional and academic experience to lead Komo Machine, Inc. With degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration, he has served as a business professional in the areas of manufacturing operations, business process engineering and finance. “Komo Machine is the leader in CNC Router technology in the US”, said Mr. Zajaczkowski. “We have an excellent opportunity to focus Komo on what it does best, which is working with our customers to provide them with the best integrated solution for their manufacturing needs. We continue to operate factory technology centers in Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina and California, and despite rumors, we will continue to build our industry-premier routers in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. “Komo has recently been chastised by some for its restructuring and reengineering. Those who initially had doubts will now be surprised at the strength, resolve and staying power of the new Komo.” He further stated, “I would personally like to hear from anyone in our industry who has questions, concerns or who has ideas as to how Komo can provide you with the tools to improve your business. Please do not hesitate to call me at Komo (800) 255-5670 or send me an email at caz@komo.com. I would appreciate your input and will be happy to answer any questions on our new direction. The dedicated, highly skilled employees of Komo Machine, Inc. design and manufacture CNC Routers for the wood, plastic and metal industries. In addition to the standard line of routers, Komo offers turn-key custom router packages complete with CIM-Tech software and material handling systems for unique machine configurations fitting a wide variety of industry applications. |
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