You are here :
| JM Eagle: A Higher Mission |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Meghan Flynn | ||
| Sunday, 30 November 2008 23:00 | ||
Before buying JM Manufacturing, a part of Formosa Plastics, from his father in 2005, and even before moving into a managerial position, CEO Walter Wang spent two years working on the company’s production lines in Taiwan. He explained that his experiences there not only gave him a deep understanding of the manufacturing process, but it also allowed him to experience and learn the business inside and out. Under Wang’s leadership, the company became completely independent in 2007 and acquired PW Eagle two years later, securing its position as the largest provider of high-performance polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in the world. With 24 manufacturing plants throughout North America and a workforce of more than 2,000 employees, JM Eagle currently serves clients in the utility, electrical conduit, natural gas, irrigation, and water/sewage management industries.  “This merger brings together two outstanding companies with complementary strengths to enable a new and unprecedented level of customer service,” said Wang when the merger was announced. “JM Eagle is now positioned to offer our customers the greatest breadth of product, the broadest geographic reach, the most cost-effective production operations, the highest capacity, and the most comprehensive field sales support team in the industry.”JM Eagle is unlike other manufacturers in a number of ways, one of which is its dedication to operating in the US, a choice that allows the company to deliver a unique level of service. Additionally, this decision has allowed JM Eagle to avoid the negative impact of international shipping costs, which have increased dramatically due to fuel prices. Despite the slow economy, JM Eagle continues to be committed to investing in research that creates more efficient production processes and better products. The company developed technology that automates its mixing system while much of the industry still measures chemicals by hand, a process that often results in human error. Its customers enjoy the most consistent production of pipe in the industry. Creating a future JM Eagle also differentiates itself through its work in helping the less fortunate around the world. This year, the company announced that it would donate and deliver nearly $1 million of high-strength water pipe to extend a distribution system in the Potou area in northwestern Senegal. “Unfortunately, the world is facing a crisis, not just in the availability of water, but also in its management,” said Wang. “By helping to develop the necessary water infrastructure in Senegal, we are fulfilling an immediate need, as well as providing the basis for long-term, sustainable solutions. The ultimate goal is to build a water infrastructure that will be the link to health and economic prosperity in communities throughout the region.” The new infrastructure spans 68 miles, connects 53 villages, and serves more than 11,000 people, increasing coverage to nearly 80% of the region. It is part of the Millennium Villages Project, developed by the Earth Institute at Columbia University in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme, which fights poverty at the village level through community-led work supported by a variety of public and private businesses and organizations. JM Eagle has developed a plan to continue this work over the next five years and also expects to be involved in supporting the development of a system that distributes non-potable water used for irrigation and farming. Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute, said JM Eagle’s expertise in delivering and transporting water makes the company a perfect partner for this aspect of the Millennium Village Project. “It’s my hope that its good work in Senegal will also motivate other corporations to become more involved in reducing global poverty,” he said. “We need the support of more companies and organizations that not only have expertise related to water, sewage or irrigation, but are also passionate about working on the ground in the poorest communities.” Although JM Eagle is providing the raw materials for building the water network, it has sent its own engineers to Senegal to assist with the project and is also funding two other full-time engineers with expertise in rural drinking water. In addition to assessing the needs of the region and developing an action plan, these engineers are working in coordination with the village committees and other supporters and organizers to help with the implementation. These commitments exemplify the company’s mission, which are outlined on the corporate Web site: “We don’t just meet the needs of our customers, we strive endlessly to exceed them. We don’t just produce quality products, we aim to improve our standards constantly. We do this all with respect for the beauty and fragility of the world and the well-being of its inhabitants.” |