Leader Hopes to Surpass Family Shop’s Expectations

Cassandra Haupers, who has a bachelor’s degree in information technology, started at Swiss Precision Machining learning how to operate, set up and program high-precision lathes and milling centers, and has worked her way up from there.

The love of machining has been passed down to Cassandra “Cassie” Haupers from her father and grandfather. Her father, Mike Haupers, has owned and operated Swiss Precision Machining Inc. (SPM) (Wheeling, Illinois) since 1979, where Haupers is now vice president of operations.

“As the future owner, it’s my responsibility to garner the respect of my workers and peers, and to lead a prosperous company,” says the 33-year-old. “To do so, I must learn from the past and innovate for the future.”

Haupers, who has a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Marquette University, started at the shop learning how to operate, set up and program high-precision lathes and milling centers, and has worked her way up from there. After mastering the machines, she moved into engineering, quality control and sales, and eventually into her current position.

Haupers still loves to get out on the shop floor and stay in regular communication with the machinists to hear about their successes, challenges, pain points and ideas for the future. She is determined to advance the company's capabilities by investing in the latest equipment and technology.

“With her exemplary leadership and determination to succeed, Cassie is a positive role model for everyone at SPM, but especially for women in manufacturing,” says Georgia Joseph, digital director at Concept Co., and Haupers’ nominator. “She believes in her people and is quick to let them know that they can achieve what they aspire to do.”

Haupers’ daily refrain is, “We hold ourselves to the absolute highest of standards.” She consistently reminds employees at SPM of the purpose of their work. “We are machining the parts this world needs to be at its best for tomorrow,” she says.

Although Haupers is the second generation of the family-owned business, she does not expect to be treated differently because she is the owner’s daughter. In fact, she has pushed herself to work harder, innovate faster and never stop growing.

Facing the future with confidence, Haupers not only wants to meet family expectations, but hopes to surpass them, she says.

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