"A customer can expect the highest level of professionalism from Summit," says partner, Larry Hewitt. "Our goal is to provide quality service that exceeds expectations. We are able to provide that service because of our vested interest as shareholders in the company. The core values of Summit are service and quality. That's what prompted us to start the company in the first place."

Part of what makes Summit unique can be found in the company's organizational structure. Unlike firms that operate with a top-down philosophy, Summit is an organization owned and operated by equals. It's also a company that recognizes its greatest asset is the close to 100 years combined business, machining and specialty welding experience of its partners. And while it's the principles of outstanding service and quality assurance that drives Summit, it's the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the team that first impresses visitors to their 4,000 square foot Regina facility. From their large, well-maintained shop area to their full line of new machining and milling equipment, it's clear, Summit stands apart from the competition.

"We take a lot of pride in giving our customers the best product at the lowest cost," says partner, Albert Loucks. "Because we are all owners, we all contribute to the final product. We believe in sharing ideas, whether that's through suggested improvements to a product or finding ways to lower costs. If there's a better way of doing something, we'll do it," he says.

While much of Summit's business focuses on turning, milling, heat-treating, specialty welding and equipment repair services, the heart of the operation is Summit's state-of-the-art Puma 200 Compute Numeric Controlled (CNC) lathe. Ideal for large production runs or complicated parts requiring the greatest degree of precision, Summit's CNC lathe is producing parts for a growing list of diverse customers from all business sectors.

"We are very competitive in both pricing and delivery," says Brian Obrigewitsch, partner. "When a customer brings in an order we schedule the production and guarantee a delivery date. We are interested in growing with our customers. We are willing to make a commitment to a customer even if it means investing in additional equipment to meet their needs now and in the future. That's part of the Summit advantage," he says.

"We do a lot of consultation with our customers," One says. "We spend the extra time it takes to ensure our customers are happy with the results. I think that's another thing that sets us apart, our dedication to quality control and our commitment to quality assurance. That's something that is very important here, not only with CNC machining but in all areas of the shop."

The Summit partners believe that distinguishing themselves is especially important in today's competitive business environment. To those ends, the company continues to develop partnerships with organizations such as the Prairie Implement Manufacturers Association, Saskatchewan Trade and export Partnership and AgInfonet. As well, the company's participation in unique projects such as a University of Regina research project on the deterioration of metals aboard the famous ocean liner Titanic, help to set Summit apart from the crowd.