Santee, Calif. December 27, 2011 — As one of the nation’s leaders in complex machined components and assemblies, Quality Controlled Manufacturing (QCMI) is pleased to announce CEO William “Bob” Grande has earned the prestigious honor of being San Diego’s Most Admired CEO in the medium-sized family owned business category. The San Diego Business Journal and Bank of America Corporation hosted the fifth annual Most Admired CEO awards event on December 8, 2011 at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa.
Left to Right: Matt Bradvica, Bank of Southern California, Winner Bob Grande, QCMI, Rick Bregman, Bank of America. Photo by Bob Thompson © 2011 Fotowerks
Nominated by Tim McDougal of California Bank & Trust, Grande was honored as a Most Admired CEO for his vision and leadership of QCMI. In addition the judges recognized Grande’s more than 33 years of contributions to the award-winning family-owned company, employees, customers and the San Diego community. The following innovations can be directly attributed to Grande’s leadership: investment in facilities and equipment, commitment to incorporating Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Methodologies across all company platforms, mentoring programs for new employees, highly competitive employee benefit packages to retain and recruit quality employees, along with a safe and drug-free work environment.
Grande founded QCMI October 1978 in his 1000 sq. ft. garage in Santee. He has led the award-winning company from one employee to 93 employees. QCMI has received the coveted United Technologies Corp. (UTC) Supplier Gold award for three consecutive years (2009-2011). The manufacturer produces components with complex shapes, contours, exacting tolerances and stringent quality requirements. They provide engineering, R&D, CNC, welding, EDM, NDT, fabrication, inspection, next higher assembly and many additional manufacturing services for the aerospace, power generation, Department of Defense (DOD), oil and gas, marine, and heavy equipment industries. Over the years Grande has hired his four sons — in 1995 Doug Grande, current operations 2nd shift supervisor; Billy Grande, current CNC machinist; Jeff Grande, current lean coordinator and in 1997 Tommy Grande, current CNC machinist.
QCMI employees thrive in a corporate culture resembling a family. As CEO, Grande’s emphasis is on taking care of one another. At QCMI every employee has a business card. An onsite gym, with the latest circuit training equipment, is available for employees. They can invite someone to work out with them after or before work hours. Grande’s vision extends into the community with support of the National Veterans Transition Services REBOOT Workshops, Wounded Warriors Foundation, Segs4Vets, East County Boys & Girls Clubs and Rotary.
“It’s a great honor to be selected as one of San Diego’s Most Admired CEOs,” said Bob Grande. “With over one hundred thousand businesses in the region, to achieve this award is a humbling experience. It was made possible by our dedicated family of employees. The pride we have in our company, our products and the services we provide to our customers is the reason we continue to grow.”
About Quality Controlled Manufacturing Inc.
Emerging as one of the nation’s leaders in complex machined components and assemblies, QCMI was founded by William “Bob” Grande in 1978. The San Diego County manufacturing firm has three facilities totaling over 98,000 sq. ft. and employs 93. QCMI is ISO9001/AS9100 and ITAR registered and Nadcap accredited. QCMI specializes in the precision machining of all metals including exotic alloys. QCMI produces components with complex shapes, contours, exacting tolerances and stringent quality requirements. Services include: CNC turning, milling, and grinding; conventional machining; welding; EDM; fabrication; inspection, non-destructive testing (NDT), next higher assembly and supply chain management. For more information about QCMI visit www.qcmfginc.com.
