Rolled Threads Unlimited enhanced its operations in 2024 through equipment acquisition, team growth, and other investments—all accomplished as part of our dedicated efforts to deliver quality products and services to our terrific customers.
Recently, President Ted Ladky took a moment to look back on highlights of the previous year and to look forward to this year’s aspirations and anticipated hurdles.
Rolled Threads Unlimited added several new machines and other investments this past year. How will these investments provide opportunities for growth in 2025?
Our investment in new cylindrical thread rolling e-machines keeps us at the cutting edge of thread rolling technology. Storing setups electronically allows us to work more efficiently and meet customer delivery needs on time. Plus, the rigidity of these machines assists in meeting some challenging specifications. Additionally, we have been investing in some new high-strength tooling, through which we can explore the limits of our capabilities in regards to material hardness.
As we begin 2025, what are some of your goals for Rolled Threads Unlimited in this next year?
Our main goal is to expand sales, within our existing customers and through new customers and markets too. Secondly, we must maintain our focus on continuous improvement, as related to our process and quality system.
What are some of the challenges facing the industry in 2025?
After a few years of robust activity, the effects of inflation (and high interest rates) really came about in 2024. Demand was down from many of our customers. There is always uncertainty heading into a new year, and I feel like that is very much the case today—but mixed with optimism.
Outside of challenges, what industry trends do you expect to see in 2025?
I hope the trend is an economic and manufacturing rebound, but that remains to be seen. Also, we are still noticing inflationary pressures in some of our costs.
What is one accomplishment you are most proud of from 2024?
I am most proud of our growth with the Videx thread rolling machine. We received the machine toward the end of 2023 but really got it up and running in 2024. For us, it is an entirely new type of machine, and a new method of thread rolling. It was a huge undertaking for our team, but their persistence and willingness to learn was inspiring. There is a lot of growth potential here: new markets and new customers.
You truly care about your people and culture. What makes your team so special?
Our team members have a desire to improve—not only in their specific roles, but the company as well—and to help others with their goals. We are lucky our employees embrace this philosophy.
Any personal New Year’s resolutions for you this year? We understand that you’ll be a father by the time this blog is published?
Yes, I am very proud to say I am a new father. Our daughter was born 12/13/24, and we are thrilled to say the least. My main personal goals for 2025 are to be a good dad and a good husband.