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FALL 2017
5
business
solutions
New CNC Router Expands Options
In June 2017, Stevenson had a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the
2,500-square-foot expansion at 116 N.W. Norris Street—the first
expansion since 1998. The space added was created to provide
room for the operation of a new CNC router. (CNC stands for
computer numeric control, which means the router cuts and carves
designs from an attached computer.) This router cuts a special type
of polyethylene material, which was recently approved for use in
commercial food processes and will expand Stevenson’s product
options for the food manufacturers it serves.
Stevenson has been a Networks
Plus customer for about 15 years.
Pennington notes, “When we
started thinking about this CNC
router project, we sent a sketch to
Networks Plus. Their team had the
idea of making a mobile cart—a
computer on wheels—and helped
us set it up to make this new
router convenient for any of our
employees to use. There are no
USB or electrical cords involved.”
Networks Plus Provides SafetyNET Assist
For many years, Networks Plus did work for Stevenson on an
as-needed basis, eventually adding a scheduled monthly service
check. Now the company subscribes to SafetyNET Assist from
Networks Plus. SafetyNET Assist monitors and protects every
desktop within a business; featuring 24/7 preventative and
maintenance care, anti-virus, and patch updates.
Pennington says, “We’ve gone from asking Networks Plus to be
reactive to having a system in place that’s proactive. With Safety-
NET Assist, our system checks are done remotely and done more
often—once an hour or once a day. This is less disruptive to our
operation, and I don’t have to make a list of things for Networks
Plus to do or check on since everything happens automatically.
Networks Plus is maximizing our uptime and addressing issues
before they become big problems.”
He adds, “Networks Plus basically functions as our IT department.
Stevenson is a 25-person company, and I want my employees to
spend their time doing what they do best, which is producing
stainless steel and plastic equipment for the food industry. It makes
sense to have Networks Plus handle the IT issues. We have a real
partnership with Networks Plus. It feels like they’re on our staff.
When I call Networks Plus, they’re here.”
Focused on Food, Committed to Community
What’s ahead for Stevenson? Pennington replies, “We’ll continue
to transition from doing sheet metal work of all kinds into focus-
ing solely on the food market. Our specialty will be producing
food-safe stainless steel spiral chutes and other components for
companies around the world. I’m proud that Stevenson is in the
business of making things, and I’m proud to be able to give back
to the Topeka community.” Examples of Stevenson’s work in
the community include creating the copper roof on the Topeka
Capitol and a partnership with the Evel Knievel Museum.
Networks Plus basically functions as our
IT department. Stevenson is a 25-person
company, and I want my employees to
spend their time doing what they do best,
which is producing stainless steel and
plastic equipment for the food industry.”
—
JOE PENNINGTON
, PRESIDENT, STEVENSON COMPANY, INC.
Joe Pennington (left)
with Stevenson accountant,
James Hilbert