Vern Jung, Dave Bublitz, and Mike Spuhler, partners in Quad Tool & Design, Kewaskum, shipped their first tool in October 1993, while their building was still under construction. Now, six years later, Quad is wrapping up an expansion program and receiving its second major award for a diecasting die.

At the North American Die Casters Association show and meeting held in November in Cleveland, Ohio, Quad was honored for designing and building the die for the frame of the new .22 caliber Smith & Wesson Sport Series™ pistol. Built for Stroh Die Casting, this was the first successful diecast frame for the handgun. It replaced less precise and more expensive investment casting for the handgun. Quad also built dies for three sight bridges for the pistol series. Quad's award was won in the under one pound category and is one of only three presented. Two years ago, Quad won this prestigious international award for a cylinder block in the over 10 pound category.

The recent expansion program provided a 60 ft. x 30 ft. second floor for Quad's three programmers and three designers. The company has "a lot of investment in software," according to Vern. Another investment for the future that Quad makes is participation in the youth apprenticeship program at the local high school. The company has one journeyman who is in charge of apprenticeship training as part of his job description. "We are growing the company by training and retaining apprentices, Vern explained, noting that some current journeymen started at Quad in the high school co-op program. Quad has 37 employees, including 5 apprentices.

Another way that Quad has poised itself for future growth was the purchase of four acres of land adjoining its original property. The current plant and offices have been designed for ease of access and workflow now and with plant expansion. Other design touches in the building are the curving sidewalk between well-landscaped flower beds and the use of glass block walls and cloth banners to brighten the interior.

Quad's work is divided between diecast molds and plastic injection molds. The company has a diverse customer base from throughout the Midwest. Annual sales are over $4 million.