Welcome to Success Stories, where we sit down with duct fabricators and sheet metal shops of all sizes for genuine conversations about how partnering with Mestek Machinery has impacted their operations. Watch the interview or read the transcript to learn how we help contractors find the right machinery and equipment solutions to boost their productivity and improve their business.
In this episode, we sat down with Jack Knox, Owner of R.F. Knox Company, Inc. in Smyrna, GA to discuss how his purchase of the Lockformer® Vulcan® Water Jet Cutting System transformed his operation.
As you evaluate your operation’s equipment needs, please remember that we’re always here to help. We’d love an opportunity to help you achieve your objectives so please don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. There’s absolutely no obligation — we’ll simply get some information about your operation and what you’re looking to do and see how we can help.
Meet the Customer
Jack Knox
Owner | R.F. Knox Company, Inc.
The fourth generation to run his family business, Jack grew up working in his father’s sheet metal shop. He officially entered the industry as an estimator, two days after graduating from Auburn University. When his father Fred Knox retired in 2007, Jack became president of the 103-year-old firm.
Jack served on SMACNA’s Board of Directors from 2009 to 2014 and then moved on to the Executive Committee where he took office as SMACNA president in October 2017.
An advocate for positive legislative change, Jack has been a longtime member of the SMACNA’s legislative and political action committees and currently serves as co-chair of SMAC PAC’s top donor club, the Political Pacesetters Council.
He has been active member of the board of directors for Georgia SMACNA and served on several standing committees, including the joint apprenticeship & training committee, health and welfare committee, and was a trustee on the local industry fund and local pension plan.
Jack was named SMACNA Contractor of the Year in 2022.Watch the Video
Read the Transcript
How did you know your business needed a new water jet cutting system?
The decision to purchase a water jet, really revolved around staying ahead of technology and keeping up with the industry. Every part of our shop was fully automated, and this is eight years ago. The last thing that was not automated was installation.
We were cutting by hand, using scissors, a knife, and finally, just having a great relationship with Mestek Machinery and Mike Bailey, we finally made the decision to move forward with the purchase of the water jet machine.
What made you decide to work with Mestek Machinery on this purchase?
It was a easy decision to partner with Mestek Machinery. We’ve had a long standing relationship with Mestek Machinery, and I’ve known Mike Bailey for over twenty five years. So Mestek Machinery and Mike are are my “go-to’s” when it involves technology, the latest technology that’s out there. So it really just an easy decision to partner with Mike. He also lives in Atlanta, so that helps. He uses this as a second office. So, yeah, easy decision to partner with him.
Lockformer® Vulcan Water Jet Cutting System at R.F. Knox Company, Inc.
What made the Lockformer Vulcan Water Jet Cutting System the right choice for you?
When we decided to move forward with the Lockformer Water Jet well, first of all, I had a hard time wrapping my mind around a return on investment for a water jet that cuts insulation. It was an expensive piece of machinery. But like I said, it was the last thing in our shop that wasn’t fully automated.
And, I think our return on investment for that piece of machinery was within a year. If Mestek Machinery had told me, “Hey… your return on investment is gonna be one year,” I wouldn’t have believed them.
But this machine was a total game changer, and I am so glad that we made the decision to move forward with that.
What was the delivery, installation, setup, and training process like?
The delivery and installation from Mestek Machinery was fantastic. Communication is key. So knowing up front when the delivery is gonna be here, making sure they have the right people to install and train our folks. It was a seamless process, and, the water jet doesn’t take a lot of learning. But, yeah, it was an easy process.
How has the Lockformer Vulcan Water Jet Cutting System impacted your operation?
Well, you know, we’re eight years into using the Mestek Machinery Lockformer water jet, and it runs every day. It’s flawless. We’re able to push through a lot more insulation simply because we’re not cutting it by hand anymore. We’re using the technology of the water jet. It’s a direct download into the machine. So, yep, the throughput is absolutely incredible.
What makes Mestek Machinery a great equipment partner to work with?
If you are considering adding any type of technology to your company or looking to start new, I would one hundred percent recommend teaming up with Mestek Machinery. They have everything from coil lines, laser cutters, water jets to cut insulation. They’ve got it all. It’s a one stop shop for sure.
The experience that Mestek Machinery offers is unbelievable. As I mentioned, we have a twenty five year relationship with Mestek Machinery, and it’s so much bigger than that. They’ve got a just a wealth of knowledge. So the service you get and the knowledge you get is unbeatable.
The Lockformer Vulcan Water Jet Cutting System has undergone a number of changes since the model which was installed at R.F. Knox Company in 2017. See the latest updates below.
