Member Profile: Accu-Swiss, Inc.

Accu-Swiss, Inc. is a custom manufacturer of precision, CNC-machined products, as well as a provider of fabrication and engineering services. Founded in 1977, the company is headquartered in Oakdale, California, about 90 miles east of San Francisco. It has 20 employees and occupies 10,000 square feet of space in two buildings.

The company’s fully automated facilities are equipped to produce parts for a variety of markets, including medical, instrumentation, electronics, aerospace, automotive, business machines and the food industry.

Machining capabilities at Accu-Swiss range from 0.004 inch to 2.625 inches in diameter and from 0.01 inch to 18 inches in length, while secondary operations include everything from threading and contouring to milling and drilling. The company’s flexibility allows it to handle both short and long runs of simple to complex products.

Accu-Swiss took its name from the company’s emphasis on accuracy in everything it does. The manufacturer functions per ISO 9000 guidelines, utilizes lot traceability control (LTC) and meets military specification MIL-1-45208.

“I’m a perfectionist by nature,” says Sohel Sareshwala, who became president and owner of Accu-Swiss in 2000. He and his wife Asfiya run the company as a team. “One of the biggest reasons for our ability to achieve such high quality and accuracy is the people we have here,” he says. “They challenge themselves to go to the next level, compounded with the fact that my expectations are very high.”

Equipment is another reason for the company’s renowned reputation. Accu-Swiss has added state-of-the-art machines and ancillary equipment as the company has grown. Today, it has more than 20 CNC machining centers.

“We can make parts that not many other companies can make,” continues Mr. Sareshwala, who has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s in industrial engineering. “What we used to do in two or three operations a few years ago, we have challenged ourselves to finish off in one operation.”

Another secret to Accu-Swiss’ success is the company’s relationship with its customers. “We have open communication with all of our customers,” Mr. Sareshwala says. “If necessary, we get involved in the design of the parts so they are efficiently manufactured. We also support our customers long after the parts are delivered, even if it is months later. Our philosophy is that the customer is right…no questions.”

Mr. Sareshwala is a big user of the Listserve. “I really enjoy the Listserve the most,” he says. “There is a lot of information. And, I really like the openness of the communication and the willingness of members to help each other.

“Whenever I run into some tricky issues, I bounce an e-mail,” he explains. “Within minutes, somebody comes back with information related to machining or materials or tooling. I have always been very happy with the feedback that I get.

“Someone will tell you how you make a particular thread, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” Mr. Sareshwala continues. “One time, a person not only called me, but he actually e-mailed me a sample CNC program on how to tweak the machine to get better results.” Mr. Sareshwala also offers help on the Listserve when he can. “I have given my two-cents worth whenever I feel that I can contribute,” he says.

According to Mr. Sareshwala, the biggest benefits of PMPA membership are being part of an organization of peers and the wealth of experience that members have to offer. “There is absolutely no hesitation to help. It’s just great,” he says.

“It’s amazing how PMPA members are so willing to share information,” Mr. Sareshwala sums up. “We are peers, but we are also competing. In spite of that, members help one another. That’s the beauty of PMPA, and I’m very proud to be associated with
this group.”

Accu-Swiss, Inc. is located at 544 Armstrong Way, Hi-Tech Park, Oakdale, California 95361. Telephone: (209) 847-1016. Fax: (209) 847-8362. Web site: www.accuswissinc.com