Last Thursday, our class went on our second tour, this time to FlowServe. FlowServe is a company that specializes in making various types of valves and pumps for a number of customers. When we first walked in to the plant, our tour guide told us that there are eighty-two machining operations at the facility. As we walked through the plant, he pointed several of them out and what exactly each machine does. Some of the machines were responsible for machining large pumps, whereas others were specifically designed for smaller operations. The variety of the machines as well as the pumps and valves was amazing. Our tour guide showed us some that were small enough to hold in your hand and go on regular water or air lines, and he also showed us some of the bigger pumps which had an eighteen inch diameter. One thing I found rather interesting was the price difference from what it costs to build one of the valves or pumps and the price that the customer is willing to pay for the product along with proper documentation. Customers count of FlowServe for quality. Therefore, FlowServe must make every attempt to guarantee a product’s quality before they sell it to a customer. Our tour guide explained that one of the pumps only cost a few thousand dollars to produce, yet it can sell for over six figures when all of the proper documentation is in order. This is done so that customers can ensure the quality and guarantee that their product is the best they can buy. This is very important for many of FlowServe’s customers. The tour guide also explained to us the importance of safety in the facility. As to be expected, safety of employees is of the utmost importance at FlowServe. Although the machines have several safety precautions, there are possibilities of accidents around every corner. This is why FlowServe adequately trains their employees on how to operate each machine and