Shining Without the Spotlight
November 2000
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With a keen ability to put industry before the individual, Rex Williams has helped secure the future of the IADD.
by Jessica Millward, Associate Editor
A painting without a signature? An article without a by-line? A movie without credits? Achievement without specific acknowledgement isn't exactly commonplace in today's world; pats-on-the-back seem contracted before the first ounce of effort is expended.
It's understandable, then, that the International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking should want to shine its spotlight squarely on Rex Williams, general manager of Dies, Inc., in Kansas City, whose specialty lies in making "stars" out of other members, through example and encouragement. In recognition of over 25 years of such selfless service, Rex Williams has been selected as packagePRINTING's 2000 IADD Diecutter/Diemaker of the Year.
Family ties
Raised on a farm just outside Humphreys, MO, Williams studied business administration at Northeast Missouri State College. A two-year stint at a retail lumber company company followed, but Williams quit the lumber business when faced with a transfer to Salt Lake City, miles from family and friends.
Williams' brother Ray was working for a die company, Dies, Inc., based in Kansas City, MO, and mentioned they were looking for diemakers. Rex was hired for the position in September 1969, and has called the company home since. He has progressed through the ranks as production supervisor, salesman, and, finally, general manager.
Dies, Inc. became the breeding ground of sorts for Williams' vision for the entire industry. Refusing to accept the "die as commodity" model often thrust upon die businesses, Williams sought the bigger packaging picture.
Unlike many companies, Dies, Inc. works directly with the end-client, from the design stage through to production. "We go a little farther along with our customers," Williams explains. The starting point, he emphasizes, is not: "How can we make the cheapest die?" It is, instead: "What is the best way to process this manufacturing?" A broader perspective on the project, one that encompasses every aspect of the end product, and a true partnering with other players involved, results in a better package and a higher standard for the die industry.
Such packaging know-how succeeds through quality employees, an asset Williams couldn't value more. Team ethics come into play again, for, as Williams asserts, "Employees are part of the process that takes care of customers' problems." He is therefore committed to maintaining an environment where employees know they are valued.
"As an employee, you are always going to hear about the problems that come up," Williams realizes. He constantly shares any "good news" with Dies, Inc.'s employees, informing them of whatever compliments he receives from clients. Not surprisingly, several employees have logged more than 30 years of employment with Dies, Inc.
by Jessica Millward, Associate Editor
A painting without a signature? An article without a by-line? A movie without credits? Achievement without specific acknowledgement isn't exactly commonplace in today's world; pats-on-the-back seem contracted before the first ounce of effort is expended.
It's understandable, then, that the International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking should want to shine its spotlight squarely on Rex Williams, general manager of Dies, Inc., in Kansas City, whose specialty lies in making "stars" out of other members, through example and encouragement. In recognition of over 25 years of such selfless service, Rex Williams has been selected as packagePRINTING's 2000 IADD Diecutter/Diemaker of the Year.
Family ties
Raised on a farm just outside Humphreys, MO, Williams studied business administration at Northeast Missouri State College. A two-year stint at a retail lumber company company followed, but Williams quit the lumber business when faced with a transfer to Salt Lake City, miles from family and friends.
Williams' brother Ray was working for a die company, Dies, Inc., based in Kansas City, MO, and mentioned they were looking for diemakers. Rex was hired for the position in September 1969, and has called the company home since. He has progressed through the ranks as production supervisor, salesman, and, finally, general manager.
Dies, Inc. became the breeding ground of sorts for Williams' vision for the entire industry. Refusing to accept the "die as commodity" model often thrust upon die businesses, Williams sought the bigger packaging picture.
Unlike many companies, Dies, Inc. works directly with the end-client, from the design stage through to production. "We go a little farther along with our customers," Williams explains. The starting point, he emphasizes, is not: "How can we make the cheapest die?" It is, instead: "What is the best way to process this manufacturing?" A broader perspective on the project, one that encompasses every aspect of the end product, and a true partnering with other players involved, results in a better package and a higher standard for the die industry.
Such packaging know-how succeeds through quality employees, an asset Williams couldn't value more. Team ethics come into play again, for, as Williams asserts, "Employees are part of the process that takes care of customers' problems." He is therefore committed to maintaining an environment where employees know they are valued.
"As an employee, you are always going to hear about the problems that come up," Williams realizes. He constantly shares any "good news" with Dies, Inc.'s employees, informing them of whatever compliments he receives from clients. Not surprisingly, several employees have logged more than 30 years of employment with Dies, Inc.
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