From the Desk of Mike J Reader
Happy (…belated) New Year, everyone!
On behalf of the entire team here at Reader Precision Solutions, we hope your holiday season was filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments with friends, family, and loved ones. As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an extraordinary year 2024 has been for the team at Reader Precision.
This past year marked significant milestones for us as an organization, family, and community. The unification of Precision Plus and Iseli Precision officially consolidated into one business entity, Reader Precision Solutions, has solidified our position as a powerhouse of precision machining in Southeastern Wisconsin. It is because of the collective efforts of our employees, clients, suppliers, as well as our community and educational partners, that we’ve achieved this remarkable transformation. As we enter 2025, we will continue to build on that very foundation we have collectively set over the last 70+ years to drive our future success.
With many highlights in 2024, one undoubtedly stood out: our progress in the relocation of both manufacturing facilities to our newly-acquired 115,000sf headquarters in Elkhorn, WI. Transforming this existing warehouse facility into Southeast Wisconsin’s latest center for precision machining excellence has been an undertaking for our internal teams and external contractors. With each step of the renovation, we’ve watched our vision for Reader Precision Solutions take shape – advancing our ability to deliver innovative solutions, leverage state-of-the-art equipment, and uphold our commitment to quality and mission-critical results. We look forward to completing the full transition into the building in the coming months, which will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for RPS.
While 2024 was an exciting year for our business, it was also a memorable year for my family. My eldest son, President of Reader Precision, Mike P. Reader embarked on an exciting new chapter, celebrating his marriage to his husband, Ray. Additionally my wife, Pat, and I were blessed to welcome our first grandchild, as my eldest daughter, Tina, and her partner Dustin, became parents to a beautiful baby girl, Isa. Meanwhile, my youngest son, Ryan Reader, made a meaningful return to the family business, stepping into the role of Production Manager, continuing the legacy of excellence that defines our family business.
Family, much like business, is about building a strong foundation for the future. This past year has been a reminder of how grateful I am — not only for the milestones we’ve achieved as a business, but also for the personal moments that make life so fulfilling.
In the midst of this transformative era for the organization, we were also honored to be recognized as the 35th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (WIMOTY). This prestigious award emphasizes the hard work, dedication, and ingenuity of our entire team. It reflects not only our commitment to delivering superior precision solutions but also our focus on innovation, workforce development, and community stewardship. Being selected from a competitive field of nominees across Wisconsin speaks to the collaborative spirit that drives RPS and our culture of excellence.
Accompanying our WIMOTY Award, the team celebrated our third consecutive Top Workplaces recognition, highlighting the company’s sustained commitment to creating an outstanding work environment and cultivating a culture based on its foundational pillars of innovation, respect, integrity, and empowerment. These awards belong to every one of our employees. It is their hard work, innovative ideas, and devotion to our core values that propelled us to this moment. All of them have played a crucial part in these achievements.
Personally, I was deeply honored to receive the Frank T. McGinnis Merit Award in October at PMPA’s Annual Meeting in Dana Point, California. Joining the ranks of those I follow, this recognition is not just a testament to my career within the precision machining and manufacturing industry, but a reflection of the incredible mentors, colleagues, and industry partners who have shaped my journey. As I look ahead, I remain committed to fostering innovation, leadership, and the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
Beyond the shop floor, we continue our efforts on the workforce development initiatives that drive our engagement with the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Sponsoring Operation Exploration at IMTS 2024 was nothing short of inspiring. With over 220 students and educators joining us, the event showcased not just the cutting-edge advancements in manufacturing but also the incredible potential of the next generation. Seeing their curiosity and enthusiasm is what drives our dedication to building a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future.
This past year our commitment to giving back to the community continued through our initiative, ProjectPlus+. From the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to our annual holiday gift drive and the many other causes we support, these moments reminded us that our impact goes far beyond precision machining – it’s about people, purpose, and the partnerships we cherish.
Looking ahead to 2025, our focus remains on innovation, culture, and partnerships; with a commitment to continued investment in our teams, streamlining our operations, and deepening our engagement within the community, nonprofit organizations, and local educational institutions. Together, we’ll expand our horizons and embrace new challenges, continuously striving to deliver our best in everything we do.
As we turn the page to this next chapter, I am filled with gratitude for all of you who make this journey possible. Your trust, dedication, and partnership are the bedrock of our success. Here’s to a new year filled with opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and celebrate our shared achievements.
I wish you a year of prosperity, health, and success. Fasten your seatbelts for 2025 – the best is yet to come!
Mike J. Reader
Chief Executive Officer and Owner
Reader Precision Solutions, Inc.
