Southwest Edition March 2026 by A2Z Manufacturing Magazines

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Editors Corner

Dear A2Z Readers,

To all of our new readers—welcome. We’re genuinely thrilled to have you join the A2Z community. Our readership is made up of suppliers, vendors, and shops of all sizes, and that diversity is what makes this publication so valuable. Whether you’re running a small operation or leading a large organization, we’re glad you’re here.

The publication continues to grow, and we’re grateful for the momentum. Our last issue brought in more than 3,000 new unique readers across all three publications. That kind of growth tells us the content is resonating. We’ve also expanded our advertising offerings, including new direct mail campaign options to help our partners reach customers in more targeted and meaningful ways.

You’ll also notice that our business card section has been refreshed with a cleaner, more modern design. We’re always looking for ways to improve readability and presentation while keeping the spirit of A2Z intact.

As for the industry, there’s plenty to be optimistic about. We’re seeing strong activity in Defense, Space, and Energy—each sector moving in the right direction. Early indicators also suggest that the semiconductor market may be heating up again, which could bring renewed opportunities across the supply chain. Check out the new economy feature we are happy to provide.

Lastly, we’re launching an affiliate program. If you’re interested in learning more about how it works and how you can get involved, we’d love to connect—just to reach out to us directly by email.

Thank you for being part of the A2Z community. We’re excited about where things are headed and grateful to be on this journey with you.

Sincerely,

Charlie & Alex Hushek

| Managing Partners | Editor in Cheif |

Carpenter brings more than 20 years of manufacturing experience to the role, with a career dedicated to precision manufacturing, operational discipline, and building strong, people-centered organizations. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona and holds two master’s degrees in Business and Leadership, providing a strong foundation in both strategic and operational leadership.

As the granddaughter of the company’s founder, Carpenter is deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy of Abrams Airborne while evolving the organization to support future expansion and longterm success.

“Abrams Airborne was built by people who cared deeply about their craft, their customers, and their integrity,” said Carpenter. “My focus is to honor that legacy while strengthening our capabilities, investing in our people, and positioning the company for continued growth.”

A Mission-Driven Approach

Under Carpenter’s leadership, Abrams Airborne will continue to operate with a clear and deliberate mission:

“Driven by Passion. Guided by Integrity. Defined by Precision.”

At Abrams Airborne Manufacturing, the mission is to be the trusted partner customers rely on to meet their manufacturing needs—bringing ideas to successful conclusion through passion, integrity, and precision. Rooted in family values, the company is committed to supporting its team with opportunity and delivering high-quality, American-made solutions.

With this focus, Abrams Airborne aims to strengthen its position as one of Tucson’s top manufacturers and top employers, recognized for quality, accountability,

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Announcements & News Continued

and a culture built on trust, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Founded nearly 60 years ago, Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc. continues to evolve while remaining grounded in the values that have defined its success. With Calley Carpenter as CEO, the company enters its next chapter with clarity, discipline, and confidence.

About Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc.

Founded in 1965, Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc. is a Tucson, Arizona–based precision manufacturer serving the aerospace and defense, medical, and commercial industries. The company provides American-made manufacturing solutions supported by disciplined processes and strong customer partnerships, with a continued focus on operational excellence and long-term growth.

Media Contact: Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc. Tucson, Arizona info@abrams.com 520-887-1727 ◊

Lee Janczewski Announces Retirement After Nearly Four Decades in the Machine Tool Industry

Arizona — After an extraordinary career spanning over 40 years in the machine tool and manufacturing industry, Lee Janczewski has announced his retirement.

Lee’s career is marked by long-term commitment, deep technical expertise, and trusted relationships across the manufacturing community. Most recently, he served as Sales Engineer for Makino – Arizona, a role he held since July 2016. In this position, Lee supported customers throughout Arizona with advanced machine tool technology, tooling solutions, and application expertise, helping manufacturers grow and thrive.

Prior to Makino, Lee spent 13 years at Methods Machine Tools as a Sales Engineer, representing a wide portfolio of world-class equipment including Yasda, Nakamura, Robodrill, Fanuc EDM, Exeron EDM, and Kiwa Japan, among others. Earlier in his career, he

held sales engineering roles at MC Machinery, supporting Mitsubishi EDM and precision milling and turning solutions.

Lee’s industry foundation began on the operations side, serving as Vice President of Operations at S.K. Enterprises, where he oversaw day-to-day applications, service, and parts operations—experience that shaped his customerfirst mindset throughout his sales career.

Known for his integrity, technical knowledge, and genuine care for customers, Lee has been a steady and respected presence in the industry for decades. His impact will be felt not only through the equipment he helped place, but through the trust and friendships he built along the way.

In retirement, Lee is looking forward to spending more time on the golf course, vacationing and, most importantly, enjoying quality time with his wife.

The industry thanks Lee Janczewski for his dedication and wishes him all the best in this well-earned next chapter. ◊

Skill Up AZ Hosted Successful Employer Meet & Greet

Last week’s Skill Up AZ Employer Meet & Greet was

a great success! Skill Up AZ brought together employers and qualified candidates interested in apprenticeship opportunities for a fast-paced, speed-interviewing experience. A big THANK TO YOU to the manufacturing employers who joined us: Foresight, Powill, ATD, Amphenol, R&D Manco, to name a few.

Skill Up Arizona offers a range of workforce development programs focused on launching careers in precision manufacturing throughout the state. At the core are its registered apprenticeship programs, which combine paid on-the-job training with structured classroom instruction to help apprentices build technical skills and earn industryrecognized credentials.

These apprenticeships span four machining-related disciplines—including CNC Operator, Set-Up, and Programming roles—and typically involve 1–4 years of training with both hands-on experience and classroom hours.

Apprentices begin earning from day one and progress with wage increases as they advance through the program. Graduates receive a nationally

recognized JourneyPerson card upon completion.

Beyond traditional apprenticeships, Skill Up Arizona’s programs are designed to create an inclusive workforce by supporting diverse populations. The Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) at Gateway Community College provides tailored CNC training and job readiness support for individuals with autism and other neurodiversities. The organization also offers initiatives to empower veterans, helping translate military skills into manufacturing careers while offering mentorship and financial assistance. Additionally, Skill Up AZ supports previously incarcerated individuals with customized training, job placement support, and ongoing mentorship to improve long-term success and reduce recidivism.

Skill Up Arizona is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the workforce development arm of the Arizona Tooling and Machining Association, committed to building community, opportunity, and career pathways for people from all walks of life.

Join Skill Up AZ on April 10, 2026 for an unforgettable evening at Gala Night 2026 benefiting Skill Up AZ’s Precision Manufacturing Apprenticeship mission. Skill Up Arizona Presents Gala Night 2026! - Skill Up Arizona ◊

Banterra Bank off to a strong 2026 (SW)

Banterra Bank is starting a great year with the opening of our new branch in Arizona.

Located in Gilbert at The Reserve at San Tan (355 E. Germann Road, Suite 101), this new facility replaces our former Tempe location which closed on Dec. 30, 2025. Hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM MST.

You may not know that Banterra Bank is one of the nation’s leading community banks (by asset size) and we have a machine tool lending division, Banterra Machine Tool Finance.

This division serves specialty lending customers nationwide and our team understands that machine tool customers are the backbone of America. You don’t have time for delays to your production, and when equipment is needed, you need a trusted lending partner.

Banterra Machine Tool Finance is a group of machine tool lending experts, backed with experience and a mission to provide the best in customer service.

We have a team nationwide that can serve your machine tool needs, but our branch team in Gilbert has particular experience with serving our machine tool customers. They understand your business and they also know that you need convenience when it comes to banking.

It’s one of the reasons we are excited to open our Gilbert location to better serve our machine tool customers in this area and also why we offer online account opening to Arizona residents.

Banterra began as a single bank in Ridgway, Illinois in 1975. Today, with more than $3 billion in assets

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Announcements

& News Continued

and 40 locations in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Utah, Banterra offers a variety of personal and business banking products and has a strong lending capacity. To learn more, go to www.banterra. bank. ◊

Landmark Solutions Recognized by OMAX for Outstanding Sales Performance

Temecula, CA — Landmark Solutions Corp. has been recognized by OMAX Corporation for outstanding sales performance in 2025, marking another milestone in the companies’ long-standing partnership serving manufacturers across the Western United States.

The award was presented during Landmark’s annual sales training event held in Temecula, California, which brings together its sales team and key manufacturing partners for product education, applications training, and strategic planning, reinforcing the company’s focus on technical knowledge and customer success.

OMAX acknowledged Landmark’s continued success

representing their waterjet product lines and supporting customers through application-driven sales, installation, and long-term parts & service.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with OMAX and, more importantly, the trust our customers place in us,” said Landmark leadership. “Waterjet technology continues to play a critical role for fabricators looking for versatility and precision, and OMAX has been an outstanding partner in helping us deliver the right solutions.”

Brad Tumbleson, a Regional Sales Manager for OMAX working closely with the Landmark team, was also recognized for Outstanding Performance.

OMAX’s recognition underscores Landmark’s commitment not only to sales performance, but to building lasting customer relationships and promoting advanced manufacturing technologies through education and training.

For more information on OMAX Waterjets or other equipment and services, contact:

Announcements & News Continued

Landmark Solutions | (714) 393-3783 | Info@ LandmarkSolutionsCorp.com. ◊

TJ Davies Introduces Coolant Tubes and Wrenches

(Mantua, OH) - T.J. Davies Co., Inc., a leading manufacturer of retention knobs, is excited to announce a new line of coolant tubes and wrenches specifically designed for HSK tool holders. These products are proudly manufactured in Mantua, Ohio, using high-quality American-made 8620 alloy steel, ensuring a long service life. Each component is machined in-house and equipped with two identical seals that allow for slight angular movement.

The coolant tubes are available for HSK 25 - HSK 125 tool holders, and corresponding wrenches are offered for each coolant tube size. All sizes are in stock and ready for immediate shipment, with same-day delivery available for orders placed by 3:00 PM EST. T.J. Davies Coolant Tubes and Wrenches are built with the same quality and craftsmanship that customers have come to expect from their retention knobs.

For more information, please visit https://tjdavies.com/ coolant-tubes-wrenches/.

In addition to coolant tubes and wrenches, TJ Davies manufactures the industry’s broadest line of retention knubs and pull studs. Over 500 varieties available, many from stock. Custom components can be manufactured, thus keeping older obsolete machines operating efficiently.

About T.J. Davies

Founded in 1965, T.J. Davies Company, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of retention knobs located in Mantua, Ohio. The vision of T.J. Davies Company, Inc. is to produce world-class, made-in-America retention knobs and to provide exceptional customer service. Veteran Founded, Certified Women Owned Business. Their products are available through a nationwide network of distributors. For additional information visit www.tjdavies.com, email to sales@tjdavies.com, call (440) 248-5510, or write T.J. Davies Co., Inc., 11823 Ohio Route 44, Mantua, OH, 44255. ◊

Landmark Solutions Welcomes Noah Taplett as Applications Specialist Anaheim, CA — Landmark Solutions Welcomes

Proud

Mesa Custom Machining Corp. is located in Gilbert, Arizona. We have been proud to produce quality precision machined parts since 1987, and welcome the opportunity to solve your machining challenges.

First Light F-35 Helmet Test A

Success

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Noah Taplett as Applications Specialist Serving the

A decorated former collegiate athlete, Noah brings discipline, drive, and a team-oriented mindset to his role at Landmark. He also brings valuable experience within the machine tool industry, providing a strong technical foundation to support customers with process optimization, equipment demonstrations,

The fir st test of a new, lightweight F-35 helmet was successful, according to the prog ram office, a promising sign that the Pentagon can qualify and implement all three fixes to the jet’s escape system by the end of the year

In his position as Applications Specialist, Noah will work closely with fabricators throughout Central California to help evaluate manufacturing challenges, develop solutions, and ensure successful implementation of Landmark’s equipment portfolio.

The recent sled test, conducted with a 103-pound mannequin, is the latest sign that the JPO can make good on its promise to finish the three design fixes by November, allowing the military ser vices to lift restrictions on lightweight pilots flying the F-35 Last year, Defense News first repor ted that pilots under 136 pounds were bar red from flying the fifth-generation aircraft after tester s discovered an increased r isk of nec k damage to lightweight pilots ejecting from the plane. The US Air Force has also ac knowledged an “elevated level of r isk” for pilots between 136 and 165 pounds.

technical expertise,” said Chad Mooneyham, Vice President. “We’re excited to have him on board.” Landmark Solutions continues to expand its technical sales and support team to better serve fabricators across the Western United States. ◊

The prototype helmet tested weighs about 4 63 pounds, approximately 6 ounces lighter than the or ig inal Gen III helmet, and is designed to ease some strain on smaller pilots’ nec ks dur ing ejection

Versatile COMBI Tooling Combines Multiple Machining Operations to Eliminate Tool Changes and Slash Cycle Time

Although the test was the fir st test of the new helmet, the JPO, Loc kheed Mar tin and seat-maker Mar tin Baker have conducted at least seven other tests with the latest ver sion of the seat, whic h is equipped with two modifications designed to reduce r isk to pilots The fixes to the ejection seat itself include a switch for lightweight pilots that will delay deployment of the main parachute, and a “head suppor t panel,” a fabr ic panel sewn between the parac hute r iser s that will protect the pilot’s head from moving bac kward dur ing the parac hute opening.

Outside of work, Noah enjoys international travel and spending time outdoors, reflecting the same energy and curiosity he brings to supporting customers in the field.

“Adding Noah to our applications team strengthens our ability to support customers with hands-on

Recently, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Loc kheed Mar tin’s F-35 conducted the fir st test combining all three solutions designed to reduce the r isk of nec k injury to F-35 pilots dur ing ejection, according to spokesman Joe DellaVedova. Once the full gamut of testing is completed, hopefully by the end of the summer, the JPO can beg in implementing the two modifications to the ejection seat and issuing the new Generation III “light” helmet to the fleet, he said

(Loveland, OH) Heule Precision Tools, a leader in precision hole finishing technology, introduces versatile COMBI tooling which can be configured to drill, chamfer, countersink, and in certain configurations, spotface in a single, compact tool. This unique technology saves both time and money while optimizing space utilization.

The prog ram office has about another 10 tests planned, whic h will use a mix of low-, middle- and high-weight mannequins

Eliminating tool changes significantly reduces cycle times and enhances efficiency while ensuring consistent, high-quality results with each operation. These tailor-made solutions provide unmatched

“This initial test had promising results and the F-35 enter pr ise is on a path to qualify the helmet by the end of this summer, ” DellaVedova told Defense News. “The lighter helmet expected to be fielded by the end of the year is in line with the seat timeframe as well.”

Announcements

& News Continued

versatility and adaptability to site-specific manufacturing challenges. Sizes ranging from 9.5 mm to 35 mm (0.374” to 1.378”) are readily available for immediate delivery, thus minimizing downtime and production interruptions. Through coolant is available, as are varied lengths to improve rigidity or meet specific application requirements. COMBI tooling is ideal for precision, high-volume applications, like those of the heavy equipment/large parts industry.

Common automotive industry applications include wheel, axle, and brake disc applications, and more.

The COMBI tool uses a standard spade drill and SNAP chamfer blade to create drilled holes that are chamfered and deburred on the front and back of the workpiece in one operation.

The drill forward-feeds completely through the workpiece until the spade drill insert clears the part. Then rapid feed so the SNAP blade is positioned just above the workpiece surface. Feed the tool forward to produce the front chamfer.

When the SNAP blade is retracted in the hole, only the ground sliding surface touches the hole, protecting it

from damage while the tool is fed through the part in rapid feed. There is no stopping or reversing the spindle.

When the blade reaches the back part past the burr, the chamfer blade extends to the cutting position and then the tool is retracted within the same working feed and speed. When the blade is again in the hole, the tool can be rapid fed out and on to the next hole. Standard countersink COMBI tools add pocketed ISO inserts to the tool body create large front countersinks.

For additional information and video demonstrations of versatile COMBI tooling visit https://www. heuletool.com/tools/combination-drilling/combi/ .

They specialize in high production environments

Announcements & News Continued

in the automotive, aerospace, energy, and medical industries. For additional information on recent successful applications, visit www.HeuleTool.com, or call (513) 860-9900, or via email to info@HeuleTool. com. ◊

Landmark Solutions Promotes Christopher Roberts to Director of Sales

Chris joined the Landmark Solutions team in January 2020 as Regional Sales Manager for Central and Northern California. Over the past several years, he has played a key role in strengthening customer relationships, expanding market presence, and driving consistent growth throughout his territory.

With profound metal fabrication industry knowledge and a strong commitment to customer partnership, Chris has earned the trust of both his colleagues and the manufacturers Landmark represents. His leadership style, centered on collaboration, responsiveness, and long-term value, has made him a respected resource for fabricators across the region.

As Director of Sales, Chris will oversee Landmark’s sales team, focusing on strategic growth, sales performance, and continued alignment with customer needs throughout the Western U.S. He will work closely with the team to further elevate communication, territory development, and vendor partnerships.

“Chris has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, integrity, and a deep understanding of our customers’ businesses,” said Chad Mooneyham, Vice President of Landmark Solutions. “We’re excited to see him step into this expanded role and help guide the next phase of growth for our sales organization.”

Chris shared his enthusiasm about the transition: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow with Landmark and to work alongside such a dedicated team. I look forward to supporting the team in a new capacity and continuing to build strong partnerships with our customers and manufacturers.”

Landmark Solutions remains committed to investing in its people and strengthening its support of fabricators throughout the region. ◊

Morse Enhances Sales Team With New Hire

CANTON, Ohio – The M. K. Morse Company is excited to announce the hiring of Ivan Robles as Sales Manager, Mexico.

An industrial engineer with more than 12 years of experience in technical sales, commercial support, and team coordination in the metalworking industry, Robles will lead our push to grow market share and customer relationships in Mexico.

Supply and tool manufacturer Lyndex-Nikken, Robles’ technical knowledge and strategic sales and service approach make him a valued addition to the Morse global sales team.

Ivan’s proven track record of understanding industrial cutting challenges and solutions will be instrumental in supporting Morse customer success through exceptional service, product quality, and speedy delivery.

“Our robust product lines and attention paid to market needs and opportunities will ensure we see strong demand in Mexico. This, coupled with a high-caliber resource in Ivan, will spark unprecedented growth for Morse in the country,” said Kurt Kocik, Vice President of Global Sales.

For more information, visit mkmorse.com. ◊

EMCO Corporation Opens State-of-the-Art Showroom to Enhance Customer Experience in North America

EMCO Corporation, a leading provider of precision CNC lathes, milling machines, and advanced machining solutions, announced the opening of its new EMCO Corporation Showroom and Customer Experience Center, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to customer engagement, technical collaboration, and manufacturing innovation across North America.

Strategically located in Wixom, Michigan, the new showroom provides manufacturers, educators, and industry partners with a hands-on environment to explore EMCO Corporation’s comprehensive portfolio — from entry-level CNC turning and milling platforms to highperformance, multi-axis machining solutions — demonstrated in realAnnouncements

With industry experience at companies including distributor MSC Industrial

world production scenarios.

“This showroom is more than a display space — it’s a collaborative hub where customers and partners can see our machines in action and engage directly with our technical experts,” said Peter Loetzner, President of EMCO Corporation. “It represents our continued investment in the North American market and in the success of those who rely on EMCO Corporation technology every day.”

A Hub for Technology, Training, and Collaboration

The new EMCO Corporation’s Showroom features a curated selection of advanced CNC machines configured to showcase precision turning, milling, and mill-turn applications. The facility enables visitors to:

• View live machine demonstrations across a variety of materials and part geometries

• Participate in hands-on training sessions led by EMCO Corporation’s application and service specialists

• Explore automation and digital manufacturing solutions designed to improve productivity, flexibility, and uptime

In addition to demonstrations, the showroom includes dedicated space for engineering consultations, application reviews, and collaborative discussions tailored to specific customer production requirements.

Celebrating Partnerships Through Dealer Appreciation

To mark the opening of the new showroom, EMCO Corporation hosted a dealer appreciation event in November 2025, welcoming more than 40 dealers and strategic partners from across North America.

The event served as both a celebration of the new facility and an opportunity to strengthen relationships within EMCO

Corporation’s extensive dealer network.

Attendees participated in guided showroom tours, live machine demonstrations, and technical discussions highlighting EMCO Corporation’s latest machining and automation developments.

The gathering also provided a forum for sharing market insights, aligning on future growth initiatives, and reinforcing EMCO Corporation’s collaborative approach to sales, service, and customer support.

“Our dealers and partners are an essential extension of the EMCO Corporation’s team,” Loetzner added. “Hosting this event in our new showroom allowed us to bring everyone together, recognize their contributions, and showcase the

tools and resources that will support our shared success moving forward.”

Local Presence, Global Expertise

With decades of experience delivering high-precision CNC machine tools worldwide, EMCO Corporation continues to invest in localized infrastructure that enhances customer support and responsiveness. The new showroom strengthens EMCO Corporation’s ability to provide hands-on demonstrations, technical training, and pre-purchase evaluations — backed by the engineering excellence of EMCO Corporations global manufacturing network.

A Destination for Manufacturing Innovation

Beyond customer visits, the EMCO Corporation Showroom and Customer Experience Center will host ongoing events, including technical workshops, application clinics, and collaborative sessions with partners and customers throughout the year.

By combining advanced technology, hands-on learning, and strong partner relationships, EMCO Corporations new showroom underscores the company’s commitment to helping North American manufacturers improve productivity, adopt innovative solutions, and remain competitive in an evolving manufacturing landscape. ◊

Continental Diamond Tool and DR. KAISER Announce Strategic Partnership in Grinding and Dressing

Continental Diamond Tool (CDT) and DR. KAISER DIAMANTWERKZEUGE GmbH & Co. KG have announced a partnership to better serve grinding operations in North America, Europe, and beyond.

Under the agreement, effective Feb. 11, 2026, Continental Diamond Tool will represent DR. KAISER products throughout North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This transfer is part of the succession plan of S.L. Munson as the previous North American representative of DR. KAISER. After 30 successful years of representation, S.L. Munson is now supporting a seamless transition for customers to CDT as the new DR. KAISER representative.

The new strategic agreement includes that DR. KAISER will offer CDT’s diamond and CBN grinding wheels across Central Europe and Turkey to complement the existing portfolio.

Founded in 1973, Continental Diamond Tool designs,

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who flew more than 10 times in the past year wanted to hop onto an air taxi, with business travelers being chief among them (65%). And for millennials, the interest was at 65%, compared to 58% of overall respondents.

Announcements & News Continued

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is currently a division of Honeywell International Inc. (Nasdaq: HON), but the parent company announced earlier this year that its aerospace business and its automation unit would be split off into separate publicly traded companies. That followed calls late last year from an activist investor to make the move.

develops and distributes custom grinding and dressing technology for advanced manufacturing. The company operates facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom and serves industries including aerospace, automotive, cutting tools, medical, electronics, and energy.

Headquartered in Germany, DR. KAISER began operation in 1977 with its diamond rotary dressers and has since expanded into grinding wheels, spindle systems, stationary dressing, and wear-resistant components.

Honeywell Aerospace — which said it will remain headquartered in Phoenix after the split, expected in the second half of 2026 — is Arizona's second-largest defense contractor, with just under 2,000 contracts in fiscal year 2024 valued at a total of $657.58 million, according to Business Journal research. With 7,124 employees in the state in 2023, Honeywell Aerospace ranked as Arizona's 23rd largest employer last year. By Jeff Gifford –Phoenix Business Journal

The company supports high-precision grinding applications worldwide through its integrated tooling, application technology services, and a downloadable dressing and grinding app.

Robotics company to establish global HQ in Phoenix

Imagine a world where a team of robots could lend a helping hand to small businesses for repetitive tasks, or clean and prep a construction job site overnight, allowing human workers to get more done during the day.

Both companies developed alongside the increased use of industrial diamond and CBN abrasives in precision manufacturing. Over time, each adopted a systemsbased approach that recognizes the interdependence of grinding wheels, dressers, spindles and related components in achieving consistent performance.

As of Feb. 11, 2026, DR. KAISER’s North American

Revobots aims to make that vision a reality with the company’s flagship AI-driven, 3D printed humanoid robot, Taskbot, which is equipped with dual arms, a dexterous “handlike” gripper, and an intelligent “face” packed with sensors.

product sales have transitioned to Continental Diamond Tool. CDT will represent DR. KAISER’s full product portfolio in the region, supported by its sales and application engineering network.

“We look forward to welcoming DR. KAISER customers to CDT,” said Shane Vardaman, Chief Commercial Officer at Continental Diamond Tool. “Our focus is on operational continuity, responsive technical support, and ensuring customers experience a seamless transition in service.”

“This partnership expands the range of products we can offer customers in Central Europe and strengthens support for our customers in North America,” said Christoph Müller, Head of Sales at DR. KAISER.

“The Taskbot can be controlled through AI. You tell it what you want it to do, it will figure it out and complete the job,” said Andre Christian, cofounder and chief marketing officer for Revobots. “Or you can say, ‘Hey, I don’t have a Phillips screwdriver.’ Taskbot will print one and do the job for you. That’s going to be a game changer, and that, to us, is where civilization starts to change because everybody now has the means of production at their hands.”

Continental Diamond Tool complements DR. KAISER grinding products with custom large-diameter diamond and CBN grinding wheels, including plated and hybrid bond wheels, as well as wafer and double disk grinding wheels.The companies said the agreement reflects a long-term collaboration focused on quality and service.

The company plans to establish its global headquarters in the Valley.The Phoenix region has increasingly become a landing spot for high-tech companies.

Continued Next Page

“This partnership represents a shared view of how advanced grinding processes are evolving,” said Nick

Announcements & News Continued

Viggiano, president of Continental Diamond Tool. “As requirements become more complex, manufacturers benefit from working with partners that understand how grinding components work together.”

About The M. K. Morse Company

For more than 60 years, Morse has been manufacturing a wide range of innovative cutting solutions. Whether you need to drill holes, cut metal using power tools, or saw metal in a factory, Morse has the right blade for the job.

As a second-generation family-owned business, we take pride in providing solutions for our customers. Our vision is to improve cutting solutions that transform ideas into reality. Available in nearly 50 countries, nearly all Morse products are manufactured in Canton, OH, USA. ◊

Understanding NFPA 660: What Metal Fabricators Need to Know

If your facility machines, grinds, or processes combustible metals like aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or zinc, NFPA 660 directly impacts your operations—and your safety compliance.

NFPA 660 (Standard for Combustible Metals) addresses a critical hazard that many facilities underestimate: metal dust explosions. Unlike wood or grain dust, combustible metal particles can ignite from sparks, static discharge, or hot surfaces, and once burning, they’re nearly impossible to extinguish with traditional methods. These fires burn at extremely high temperatures and can react violently with water.

What’s Changed

The 2026 edition of NFPA 660 brought significant updates that affect how facilities must handle metal dust collection. Key changes include stricter requirements for housekeeping programs, updated explosion protection criteria, and clearer guidance on when wet collection systems are required versus dry systems with proper deflagration protection.

Real-World Application

Aerospace manufacturers, automotive shops, and any facility that produces aluminum chips or titanium

Precision Die & Stamping, Inc.

1704 West 10Th St • Tempe, AZ 85281

Ph: 480-967-2038 • F: 480-829-0838 •

Since 1964, Precision Die & Stamping has maintained a philosophy that expertly designed tooling and dedication to customer service are number one priorities. This type of expertise and dedication has fostered a reputation of excellence in the tooling and stamping industry.

Located in Tempe, Arizona, our 100,000 Sq. Ft. Facility contains state of the art equipment , with production capabilities ranging from simple geometries to complex forms with intricate details. Precision enjoys a world-class reputation supplying a variety of OEMs, managing their inventory levels, and making certain product quality and timely delivery are NEVER compromised.

Announcements & News Continued

dust require compliant dust-collection systems. This means properly sized collectors, explosion venting or suppression systems, conductive ductwork, and comprehensive housekeeping procedures. OSHA has been increasingly focused on combustible dust violations, with citations often referencing NFPA standards.

What You Should Do

Start with a dust hazard analysis (DHA) specific to the metals you process. Different metals have different Kst values (explosion severity) and ignition temperatures. Your dust collection system needs to match your specific hazards—not just collect dust, but manage the explosion risk.

Southwest manufacturers working with these materials should evaluate their current systems against the updated standard. The cost of compliance is far lower than the risk of a catastrophic incident.

Corey McCullough specializes in NFPA-compliant dust collection systems for manufacturing facilities across the

Methods Machine added NakamuraTome

NT-FLEX

Methods Machine Tools, Inc., North America’s foremost supplier of leading-edge precision machine tools and automation solutions, has introduced the Nakamura-Tome NT-Flex to the U.S. machine tool market.

One of the industry’s most compact CNC multitasking platforms, the two-turret, two-spindle NT-Flex features speed and flexibility for complex high mix / small-batch production.

“We’ve waited with excitement to bring the NT-Flex to the U.S. market since Nakamura-Tome’s initial product launch in late 2024. Now that it’s here, we’re all-in to deliver the NT-Flex and demonstrate how traditional

Southwest. Industrial Clean Air Products serves Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah. ◊

A2Z gets read by leaders across manufacturing. Now imagine this message was about your company instead.

Schedule your no-obligation appointment and review today! Mitch Balasu 480-822-7500 Mitch@growprotected.com www.growprotected.com

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Announcements & News Continued

turning and multitasking paired with Y-axis milling opens a new range of applications for our customers,” said Sergio Tondato, Methods’ Senior Director of Product Management.

“We call the NT-Flex the answer to Swiss-style machining for two reasons. First, on part sizes Ø25 to 38 millimeters, the NT-Flex has the power and rigidity to succeed with cuts where traditional Swiss machining can be limited. Second the smaller size and more accessible work envelope provide a more productive operator experience on toolholder and parts changeovers,” Tondato continued.

For shops seeking greater efficiency, Methods Automation Services will pair bar feeders and collection tables, while utilizing the NT-Flex’s Parts Catcher G, to create continuous operations for unattended machining.

“The NT-Flex is a perfect fit to win in expanding, highvolume markets. For example, shops making small fittings for aerospace components or medical devices, the latter where market projections forecast more than 5 percent year-over-year growth1 through the end of the decade,” said Jon Star, Methods’ Director of Marketing.

“Another is manufacturing for data center components. Data center growth to support AI expansion will require a massive number of manifolds, fittings, mounting brackets, connectors with extremely tight fits to ensure leak-tight connections. Nakamura-Tome’s precision and speed make a perfect match to run these parts in high production,” Star continued.

The NT-Flex is now available for ordering directly from Methods and its dealer network including Maruka USA, Meredith Machinery, MTA Machinery Inc., and OptiPro Systems.

The NT-Flex is Methods’ third Nakamura-Tome platform released to the U.S. this year, joining the JX-200 B-axis machining center and the twinspindle NTY3-100V series.

Since 1983, Methods and Nakamura-Tome have partnered to deliver thousands of machines to manufacturers throughout the United States.

About Methods Machine Tools

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. supplies high-quality, highprecision machine tools, automation solutions, and designs integrated, custom machining processes and services. Headquartered in Sudbury, Mass., and in operation since 1958, Methods operates seven technical centers, and a one-of-a-kind precision center. Methods has installed more than

45,000 machine tools throughout North America. For more information, call 877-668-4262 or visit www.methodsmachine. com. ◊

Heule

Precision Tools

Introduces VEX Tooling to Drill and Chamfer in One Operation

Heule Precision Tools, a leader in precision hole finishing technology, introduces VEX tooling which drills and chamfers in a single step, for increased efficiency and precision.

Designed with a solid carbide tip and patented SNAP chamfering system, VEX tooling is available from 5mm to 17mm. Regardless of size, a convex cutting edge ensures high drilling performance and short manageable chips, even in long chipping materials.

With the ability to drill and chamfer through-holes in a single operation, VEX eliminates tool changes to bolster productivity and efficiency, while improving quality. A specially developed connecting system features a robust and precise attachment to the tool body, for optimum power transmission and overall performance.

VEX tooling is ideal for high production, precision environments like automotive manufacturing, especially on brake discs, tube applications, wheel hubs, and more.

A large chip channel optimizes swarf evacuation, enhancing cleanliness and safety. Drill tip and chamfer blade replacement can be accomplished easily without presetting between changes, to minimize maintenance downtime.

The replaceable drill tip of the VEX can be reground and recoated, thus extending tool life and lowering overall tool costs. Stock sizes from 5mm to 17mm

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are available for immediate delivery; custom designs are available to meet specific industry applications.

For additional information and video demonstrations of VEX drilling and chamfering technology visit https://www.heuletool.com/tools/combinationdrilling/vex-s/ .

HEULE Precision Tools has manufactured the highest quality cutting tools since 1961, supporting a wide range of hole-finishing tools for front and back deburring, countersinking, chamfering, and counterboring for larger industrial manufacturing companies throughout the world. They specialize in high production environments in the automotive, aerospace, energy, and medical industries. For additional information on recent successful applications, visit

ARIZONA

MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP

Arizona MEP's mission is to make every Arizona manufacturer the most successful business it can be. As Arizona's Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Arizona MEP's manufacturing and business experts offer customized solutions and hands-on assistance to help your company achieve its goals.

Whether you're looking for incremental improvements to your operation or a major transformation, Arizona MEP can provide a solution designed just for you.

Announcements & News Continued

www.HeuleTool.com, or call (513) 860-9900, or via email to info@HeuleTool.com. ◊

Star SU Welcomes David Kruise as Marketing & Communications Manager

Farmington Hills, MI, Jan. 13, 2026 - Star SU, the marketing, sales and service affiliate of Star Cutter Company, announces the appointment of David Kruise as Marketing & Communications Manager.

Kruise has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and communications, with a strong background in technical documentation and sales support within the manufacturing sector. His early career as a machine repair technician gives him firsthand knowledge of tooling assembly and quality control, equipping him with a unique perspective that connects technical expertise with strategic marketing.

“David’s strong technical communication skills and direct manufacturing experience make him an excellent fit for this role,” said Andreas Blind, president at Star SU. “His ability to bridge the shop floor with strategic marketing will help

us clearly communicate the value we deliver across all Star Cutter brands.”

In his new role, Kruise will lead all marketing activities for the Star Cutter, Star SU, and H.B. Carbide brands across four business divisions: Round Tools, Gear Tools, Machine Tools, and Carbide Material Technologies.

THE STAR CUTTER FAMILY OF COMPANIES

Headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI, and originally founded in 1927, the Star Cutter Company is a global leader in the cutting tool industry with more than 700 employees working in 15 manufacturing facilities.

Each facility specializes in producing a specific type of product or service: carbide blanks and preforms, solid carbide cutting tools, gundrills, PCD tooling, gear cutting tools, and 5-axis CNC tool and cutter grinding machines.

Star SU LLC is the marketing, sales, and service partner in North America, South America, Europe

For more information, visit: www.starcutter.com. ◊

Arizona Deburr Boasts Strong Quarter

Arizona Deburr led by industry veteran Jayson Hasper boasted a strong performance with 6,518 parts processed with 0 Rework and 0 Scrap. Their average turn time was 3 days and 15 orders had a same day turnaround.

Jayson shared “We have open capacity to support orders of all sizes, a lot of people don’t realize what is possible when working with a dedicated deburr partner”. Reach out to Jayson to learn more. ◊

Arizona: Major Manufacturing Facility Expansions Take Center Stage

In early 2026, Arizona’s manufacturing sector continued to show strong growth momentum, highlighted by several significant plant openings and expansions that will create hundreds of jobs and broaden the state’s industrial base.

Among the most notable developments was the opening of Factory 3 (F3) in Mesa by advanced manufacturing leader Hadrian. This new hub represents a $200 million investment and occupies 290,000 square feet of space configured for autonomous production workflows and AIdriven manufacturing systems.

State and local leaders joined executives at the ribbon-cutting event, underscoring the facility’s expected economic impact and its role in accelerating advanced

Announcements & News

manufacturing in the region. F3 is projected to bring over 350 new jobs to the community in 2026, making it one of the standout industrial milestones of the year.

Also in January, Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) announced plans to open a new transformer manufacturing facility in Waddell, roughly 30 miles west of Phoenix. The expansive site will cover more than 560,000 square feet and serve as the company’s first manufacturing location west of the Mississippi River.

ERMCO’s decision reflects broader demand for distribution and three-phase transformers that support utility infrastructure and power distribution networks. The project is expected to generate more than 500 new jobs, strengthening

Consolidated Resources Inc.

New Mexico: Prospective Battery Manufacturing Venture

While official site openings in New Mexico during this exact period were limited, a noteworthy letter of intent (LOI) announced in late 2025 carries momentum into early 2026.

Desert Mountain Energy (DME) signed an LOI to form a joint venture to build a sodium nickel chloride (SNC) battery manufacturing facility in Roswell, New Mexico. The project aims to leverage produced water from regional oil and gas operations for cooling and processing, integrating sustainable resource use into battery production.

This proposed plant would manufacture SNC batteries — a technology useful for grid-scale energy storage and other industrial applications — and sets the stage for future battery sector growth in the state, contingent on final agreements and engineering work.

Why it matters:

Battery manufacturing aligns with national clean energy and industrial diversification goals. A facility in New Mexico could support supply chains for renewable integration and energy storage technology, adding a new dimension to the state’s industrial landscape as 2026 unfolds.

Project Ranger Breaks Ground — A Hypersonic Manufacturing Campus

In January 2026, New Mexico delivered one of the most consequential manufacturing facility announcements in the Southwest with the

CUT TIME. NOT CORNERS

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groundbreaking of Project Ranger, a 1,000-acre advanced manufacturing campus in Sandoval County focused on hypersonic systems production.

Announced by Castelion — a defense technology firm with roots in advanced propulsion — the project represents a $220 million private investment designed to support high-cadence manufacturing of solid rocket motors and hypersonic strike components, technologies increasingly prioritized by the Department of Defense.

The first building of the campus is slated for completion in summer 2026, with full build-out of all 21 facilities expected by year’s end, enabling static testing, motor fabrication, and final assembly operations. Once operational, Project Ranger is projected to create 300+ high-paying manufacturing jobs and generate an estimated $650 million in economic impact over the next decade.

The investment also underscores New Mexico’s strategic appeal for advanced technology companies, bolstered

by the state’s skilled workforce, research institutions, and history in aerospace and defense innovation. Local and federal officials attended the groundbreaking, emphasizing the project’s dual economic and national security significance.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham highlighted New Mexico’s capability to support cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering, positioning the state as a key node in the U.S. industrial base for advanced weapons systems. Industry leaders have noted that Project Ranger will not only deepen regional manufacturing capacity but also strengthen domestic supply chains for defense technologies that are critical to national competitiveness.

The initiative marks a major milestone for New Mexico’s industrial portfolio — one that extends the state’s manufacturing identity beyond traditional sectors and into the forefront of high-technology production.

Valley Machine Works

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Metalworking Activity Moves Into Expansion in Early 2026

In early 2026, the Gardner Business Index (GBI): Metalworking — a widely followed diffusion index measuring business conditions at North American metalworking and machine-shop facilities — ticked above the 50 expansion threshold for the first time in several quarters, signaling renewed momentum in the sector.

The January reading came in at 52.3, the highest level recorded in over three years, and marked a meaningful shift from contraction toward expansion in core metalworking activity.

The GBI: Metalworking aggregates survey responses from durable-goods producers on critical indicators such as new orders, production, backlogs, employment, supplier deliveries, and exports. A value above 50 indicates that more firms are reporting growth rather than contraction across these metrics, suggesting a broad improvement in business conditions. The January surge reflects stronger order books, rising production output, and more stable

delivery times as manufacturers begin the new year with higher confidence.

Industry analysts view the jump as a potential harbinger of a broader manufacturing recovery. After a prolonged period of subdued activity — with many firms citing weak demand, elevated input costs, and supply chain disruptions — the gain in the metalworking index suggests that some of those headwinds may be easing. Surveyed executives pointed to improvements in order flow and project pipelines, particularly in sectors tied to automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment production.

While this expansion signal is encouraging, experts caution that sustained growth will depend on continued improvements in demand and labor availability, as well as broader economic conditions. Still, the GBI’s move above 50 provides an early indication that metalworking manufacturers may be transitioning from contraction into growth — a positive development for the industrial base as 2026 unfolds. ◊

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U.S. Factory Sector Shows Signs of Expansion in Early 2026

A key indicator of manufacturing activity, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing PMI, showed that U.S. factories expanded in January 2026 for the first time in over a year. With a PMI reading above 50, the sector moved out of contraction territory, signaling growth in new orders and production levels. This rebound comes after an extended slump where manufacturing contracted for 26 consecutive months, reflecting weak demand and economic headwinds throughout 2025.

Industry analysts see the shift as an early indicator that manufacturers are navigating past some recent challenges, including supply chain uncertainties and slowing global demand.

The increase was driven largely by renewed order flow and higher production activity. New orders, a key part of the PMI, rose to their highest level since early 2022, suggesting increased demand for U.S.-made goods. Production also strengthened, and export orders showed modest growth.

However, employment within the sector remains a cautionary point, with labor demand still below levels that would indicate a sustained hiring rebound. Supplier deliveries slowed, a phenomenon that often accompanies rising demand and increased activity.

Economists emphasize that while the PMI gain is encouraging, it doesn’t guarantee a full manufacturing recovery — broader economic factors, including interest rates, inflation, and global trade tensions, continue to impact confidence. Nonetheless, the shift in PMI highlights potential momentum turning back in favor of domestic production, hinting at a possible stabilization phase for U.S. manufacturing as the year progresses. ◊

U.S. Air Force Awards $7 B Contract Field Team (CFT) Support IDIQ

In January 2026, the U.S. Air Force awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for Contract Field Team (CFT) labor

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augmentation support — one of the larger DoD contracting actions of the quarter. Under this multi-year award, 23 companies were selected to provide technical labor support services across a wide array of operational needs through January 2036, with a total potential value of around $7 billion.

The CFT program is a major Air Force sustainment vehicle designed to deploy skilled technicians to support depot-level and organizational maintenance, inspections, modifications, and repair services for aircraft, vehicles, weapons systems, and other mission-critical platforms.

By awarding this large multiple-award contract, the Air ensures a readily accessible industrial workforce that can be tasked across global bases and logistics centers as task orders are issued.

The contract’s decade-long duration reflects a shift toward stable, long-term planning for field support operations and readiness, smoothing uncertainty for suppliers and their manufacturing or logistics operations. The inclusion of 23 different firms — spanning small businesses to large prime integrators — also points to DoD’s continued effort to diversify industrial base participation while ensuring the capacity to meet extensive sustainment requirements.

This award can serve as a bellwether for broader Defense Industrial Base activity in 2026, demonstrating sizeable, dependable contract flows aimed at underpinning core sustainment and manufacturing support functions rather than solely new hardware production. ◊

U.S.–Taiwan Trade Deal & Implications for Semiconductor Manufacturing

In February 2026, the United States and Taiwan finalized a trade agreement aimed at adjusting tariffs on Taiwanese exports — but critically, semiconductors were left out of the core tariff exemptions. In tandem with the deal, Taiwanese companies pledged roughly $250 billion in investment into U.S. chip manufacturing and related technologies over the next decade.

Much of that commitment is expected to come from TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, which already pledged substantial investment in its Arizona fabs.

This development underscores both opportunities and challenges for semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. On the positive side, the investment promises to deepen domestic capacity for advanced chips — vital for industries ranging from consumer electronics to defense systems. TSMC’s ongoing expansion in Arizona, involving multiple fabs, advanced packaging facilities, and an R&D hub, remains central to these plans. However, details remain unclear regarding how much of the additional investment will materialize and which specific projects it will support.

Excluding chips from tariff exemptions also reflects the complexity of trade policy in a highly strategic sector. Rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain security

Seeing the Future Clearly: How Starrett Is Reimagining the Optical Comparator

In machine shops across America, there’s a familiar glow in the corner of the quality room: the soft halo of an optical comparator projecting a part’s shadow onto a screen. For decades, that shadow has told the truth. It has validated profiles, confirmed radii, and ensured that Swiss-turned components and milled features met print.

But as manufacturing evolves—becoming faster, more precise, and increasingly digital—so too must the tools we rely on. Few companies understand that better than The L.S. Starrett Company.

A Legacy Built on Precision

Founded in 1880 by Laroy S. Starrett in Athol, Massachusetts, The L.S. Starrett Company was born during a time when American industry was rapidly transforming. Railroads were expanding, factories were modernizing, and precision was becoming the foundation of industrial progress. Laroy Starrett, an inventor and machinist himself, understood something fundamental: progress depends on measurement—and measurement must be trusted.

His early innovations, including improvements to combination squares and precision layout tools, quickly gained popularity among machinists who demanded accuracy they could rely on. From the beginning, Starrett tools were not simply instruments—they were confidence builders. If a dimension checked out on a Starrett tool, you could move forward with certainty.

That philosophy of trust through precision became the backbone of the company.

Over the decades, Starrett expanded far beyond hand tools. As manufacturing technologies evolved—from manual machining to CNC automation, from analog gauges to digital systems—Starrett evolved alongside them. The company developed optical comparators, video-based measurement systems, digital readouts, force measurement systems, and metrology solutions that support industries such as aerospace, medical devices, automotive, defense, and energy.

Yet despite this expansion, the mission has remained remarkably consistent: build tools that work in the real world, in real shops, for real professionals.

Starrett’s longevity is not an accident. Few industrial manufacturers can point to nearly 150 years of continuous operation while maintaining global relevance. That kind of endurance comes from balancing tradition with forwardthinking engineering. It means honoring the machinist who values simplicity and rugged reliability, while also serving the quality engineer who needs digital documentation and advanced imaging.

Today, Starrett operates as a global manufacturer with production and distribution facilities worldwide, but its identity remains rooted in precision craftsmanship and customer trust. Whether it’s a hardened steel rule, a micrometer, or a digital metrology system, the brand carries the same promise it did in 1880: accuracy without compromise.

And that legacy is exactly what informs the company’s latest innovations.

A Modern Take on a Shop Floor Classic

Traditional optical comparators rely on projected shadows and mirror systems to enlarge a part’s profile onto a screen. While effective, they can struggle with surface illumination, blind features, engraved markings, and high magnification applications. They’re also large, heavy, and require mirror maintenance to maintain optical integrity.

Starrett’s new digital comparator HDV 250 reimagines that experience—without abandoning the simplicity that made comparators popular in the first place.

Instead of projecting a shadow through a series of mirrors, the system uses a camera and digital readout (DRO) with a crosshair interface. That means:

• Crisp, high-resolution digital imaging

• Dramatically improved surface illumination

• Clear visibility of blind holes and engraved features

• Edge detection capabilities

• Image capture functionality

Applications Engineer David Knicker explains that the surface lighting is dramatically improved over traditional systems, allowing users to clearly define edges and illuminate features that were previously difficult to measure.

Designed for the Real World

One of the intentional design parameters for the new system was compactness. The digital readout sits neatly on top rather than hanging off the side, reducing overall footprint and making the machine ideal for tight quality rooms or crowded shop floors.

It’s also significantly lighter than traditional comparators, allowing safe repositioning when necessary. By eliminating complex mirror assemblies, the system is inherently more robust and requires less maintenance. There are no mirrors to clean and fewer components that require precise optical alignment.

Shop Floor Ready

The system is designed to operate directly on the shop floor. The DRO is powder-coated and fully sealed to handle real manufacturing environments. For harsher conditions, a clean air kit can be added to pressurize the enclosure and keep contaminants out.

This flexibility allows manufacturers to place inspection exactly where it makes the most sense—next to a Swiss lathe, in a machining cell, or inside a traditional quality lab.

Familiar to Use, Easy to Learn

If you already know how to use a comparator, you can use this system. The workflow remains DRO-based and intuitive. Training time is minimal—often just an hour or two to become fully comfortable with the interface.

In a world where machinists are balancing programming, setups, tooling, and production demands, simplicity matters.

Optical Flexibility

The system supports interchangeable telecentric lenses using Starrett’s existing bayonet design. For shops already using Starrett vision systems, lenses can be shared across platforms.

Magnification ranges roughly from 20X to 130X equivalent depending on configuration. At higher magnifications, digital imaging maintains brightness and clarity without the limitations common in traditional comparator lighting systems.

The Price Point Sweet Spot

The new system is positioned squarely within the traditional optical comparator market. Expected to start just under $20,000, it offers modern digital advantages at a comparable investment level.

For shops with aging comparators or those budgeting for new inspection equipment, this presents a natural upgrade path—without stepping into high-end CNC vision system pricing.

Backed by Real Support

Starrett maintains ISO 9001 certification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for calibration services. Service and support are handled domestically, ensuring customers connect with real engineers and technicians—not outsourced call centers.

For US based manufacturers, rapid response support is available from California-based teams. Calibration services and technical assistance remain core components of Starrett’s value proposition.

Bridging Heritage and Innovation

For nearly 150 years, Starrett has built tools that become permanent fixtures in shops—tools that last and earn trust.

This new digital comparator HDV 250 reflects that legacy. It preserves the workflow machinists trust while modernizing imaging, durability, and usability for today’s manufacturing demands.

Same simplicity.

Better clarity.

Smaller footprint.

Modern reliability.

A classic tool—rebuilt for the future.

For more information visit us at www.starrettmetrology.com ◊

concerns have made semiconductor policy a priority for both the U.S. government and industry stakeholders. Firms like Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia — which rely on TSMC’s manufacturing — are closely watching how these policies unfold and what they mean for future capacity in the U.S.

Overall, while the trade deal boosts prospects for domestic chip manufacturing, uncertainty about tariff treatment and investment specifics highlights the delicate balance between industrial policy, international trade, and strategic technological leadership. ◊

DoD Individual Contract Awards and Modifications

Beyond the headline Air Force IDIQ award, the Department of War / DoD daily contract outlets show multiple individual contract awards on a variety of programs that reflect manufacturing and sustainment activity within the period:

Naval and Army contracts for production, integration, and testing of hardware such as towed array systems and shipyard work on the USNS Leroy Grumman.

Lockheed Martin received a modification contract (~$22 million base, potentially ~$99 million cumulative) for lifecycle logistics and technical services on Aegis combat ship systems.

Various Army Corps of Engineers awards for construction and engineering support work, including multi-year civil and infrastructure contracts with several firms involved.

Multiple Navy and Air Force task orders were issued, among them awards for software, sustainment, radar production modifications, and modernization support. ◊

U.S. Job Market Widens Slightly — Manufacturing Adds Jobs

The U.S. job market delivered a stronger-than-expected performance in January 2026, adding 130,000 new jobs — nearly double the consensus forecast. This better-than-anticipated result lifted hopes that labor market weakness might be easing after a sluggish 2025, which saw dramatically revised job gains down to historically low levels.

Within the broader employment picture, the manufacturing sector recorded a modest increase,

Announcements & News Continued

adding approximately 5,000 positions after more than a year of decline.

Economists see January’s rebound as a mixed signal. While the headline jobs figure exceeded expectations and the unemployment rate ticked down, the underlying data showed persistent weakness in several sectors including transportation, finance, and government. Healthcare and social assistance led job gains, offsetting sluggishness elsewhere.

Manufacturing’s small contribution to hiring suggests that demand for factory labor is only beginning to stabilize after extended contraction.

Revisions to prior months’ data painted a sobering picture: 2025’s employment growth figures were significantly reduced once full data were incorporated. This backdrop tempers enthusiasm around the latest report, indicating that broader labor market health remains fragile. Still, reducing the pressure for immediate Federal Reserve rate cuts and strengthening confidence among some manufacturers are positive takeaways.

For manufacturers, even a modest uptick in hiring signals potential stabilization in production activity and demand. However, workforce challenges persist, with competition from other sectors and ongoing skills gaps. As firms evaluate capital spending and production plans for 2026, labor conditions will remain a critical factor influencing growth trajectories across U.S. industry. ◊

Trade Policy & Inflation: US Manufacturing Environment Amid Tariff Changes

In mid-February 2026, reports surfaced that the U.S. government is considering rolling back certain metal tariffs originally imposed at high rates to protect domestic industries.

These tariffs on steel, aluminum, and metal-intensive products had created regulatory bottlenecks and added costs for American manufacturers, particularly in the automotive sector, where firms like Ford and General Motors have absorbed billions in

Announcements & News Continued

tariff-related expenses. As election pressures mount, policymakers are reevaluating the balance between protectionist measures and the competitive pressures faced by U.S. producers.

Simultaneously, U.S. inflation data showed a notable moderation in January, easing price pressures and fueling speculation about future interest rate moves. Trade policy adjustments, including tariff reductions and newly negotiated agreements such as the U.S.–Taiwan trade pact, are part of a broader attempt to recalibrate the manufacturing ecosystem.

Lower tariffs could reduce input costs for domestic producers but also shift competitive dynamics with foreign suppliers.

For manufacturers, tariff policy remains a double-edged sword. While protective measures aim to shrink trade deficits and encourage onshoring, they also elevate production costs and complicate supply chains. Refining these policies in response to real-world impacts is a priority for industry leaders.

The evolving landscape reflects how political, economic, and global considerations intersect in shaping the conditions under which U.S. manufacturing operates in 2026. ◊

L3 Harris + AE Industrial Partners

AE Industrial Partners has struck a landmark deal to acquire a controlling interest in L3Harris Technologies’ Space Propulsion and Power Systems business — the historic rocket engine and propulsion arm widely associated with the legendary Rocketdyne name.

Under the agreement, valued at $845 million, AE Industrial will take majority control of a business unit spanning five U.S. locations that has developed upperstage rocket engines and advanced propulsion systems supporting national security, civil and commercial space missions for more than six decades.

L3Harris, the major defense and aerospace contractor, will retain approximately 40 % ownership and remain a strategic partner post-close, with the transaction

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& News Continued

expected to be finalized in the second half of 2026 pending regulatory approval. Notably, the deal excludes the RS-25 engine program — a key NASA Space Launch System asset — which L3Harris will continue to own and operate.

A key element of the agreement is AE Industrial’s plan to revive the Rocketdyne brand, honoring its heritage as the birthplace of U.S. rocket propulsion. AE’s leadership has stressed that combining Rocketdyne’s iconic technology with modern manufacturing discipline and investment will position the business for growth in both traditional government markets and emerging sectors like nuclear propulsion, which could be critical for deep-space and Mars exploration.

The transaction reflects broader shifts in the aerospace landscape, where private investment partnerships are playing an increasingly important role in advancing propulsion and space technologies, reinforcing U.S. leadership in strategic space capabilities for decades to come. ◊

Rockwell Automation Announces Major U.S. Factory Expansion

Industrial automation leader Rockwell Automation confirmed plans to build a new more than 1 millionsquare-foot manufacturing and warehouse facility in southeastern Wisconsin as part of its broader $2 billion investment in U.S. operations.

The project will be located near the company’s global headquarters in Milwaukee and is poised to become one of Rockwell’s largest manufacturing campuses worldwide. While the company has not disclosed product details for the site, Rockwell emphasized the integration of advanced technologies, including automation systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and analytics tools.

The investment signals confidence in U.S. manufacturing and the skilled workforce that supports advanced industrial production.

Officials highlighted that the facility will not only bolster domestic capacity but also serve as a showcase for cutting-edge industrial technologies. Local and state leaders have welcomed the expansion, stressing its potential to accelerate workforce development and regional economic growth.

Rockwell’s commitment complements broader domestic trends toward reshoring and scaling up high-tech manufacturing capabilities, particularly in sectors requiring digital integration and advanced automation. As companies navigate labor shortages and global competition, investments of this scale

The Mystery of Metal

By Peter Hushek

When can the Bark on Metal Really Bite?

All metal parts are made to meet print requirements. Every metal carries a list of conditions that make it appropriate for the functional integrity of the part the print describes. Material is purchased to meet print requirements which can be as simple as chemical composition and mechanical properties. For many purchasing agents once the material is received and the material cert verified for compliance it is filed away and forgotten. This can be a grave error since material certs often hold clues; what is listed as well as what they fail to state can drastically affect the finished product.

The descriptive terms hold clues to potential problems. The difference between HRS (hot rolled steel) versus CRS (cold rolled steel) or CF (cold finished), can alert purchasers to pending issues. While the chemical composition of HR versus CR or CF bar is the same, the surface condition can be drastically different. Hot rolled products are rolled at temperatures typically above 1600 F. The mills do this because reduction in section size is much easier at elevated temperatures. When the mills perform the same reduction in section at room temperature, it may require annealing cycles in between operations. Sounds simple and logical to always hot work the steel to get it to the desired plate thickness or bar diameter until one considers the downside of this hot work. When steel is exposed to air at elevated temperatures, typically above 1300 F, the carbon in the steel reacts with oxygen in the air to remove carbon at the surface. This is called decarburization or decarb. Decarburized steel will not react like the parent steel in the core of the material, and this mismatch is deceptive on many levels.

It is at this point that visual clues come into the mix. The decarburized layer, when deep enough, looks similar to the bark on a tree. It is rough to the touch, but its true nature or depth is impossible to know if the material cert does not state

it or expensive testing is performed. Not all material certs are the same. The simple, usually free version, rarely states the depth of decarburization on steel alloys. You will not get the full “story” unless you pay for the “extended cert.” Since no one wants to pay for something they do not think they need, it is often ignored. The extended cert may state decarb or partial decarb of 0.012” which means the steel you purchased has a layer of not the metal you think it is, on every surface. This means if you need to make a part with a final diameter of 2”, the surface will lack integrity for the first 0.012”. This means you only have 1.976” of good steel. This also assumes the decarburization is uniform, which is rarely the case.

So, what if someone removes the bark down to the point where it is shiny metal, is that OK? The answer is yes and no since decarburized metal can look shiny but still lack the carbon to support the processing to develop mechanical properties required per print. This is where an old rule of thumb, 2% stock removal per surface, comes into play. Truth be told, I am dating myself since few people today have heard of this rule. There is another rule, and that is the mill bark on hot rolled bar, and plate is typically twice that of cold rolled material.

Making good parts from steel requires having uniform steel. Uniform steel requires an understanding of how the product was made before the distributor purchased it for resale. So, either invest in the extended cert to be sure of the composition or remove the bark. Invest on the front end to avoid problems on the back end. Back-end problems inevitably always cost more time and money. ◊

Peter Hushek Chief Metallurgical Engineer Pete.Hushek@proton.me

ARIZONA MEP WORKSHOPS

Arizona MEP offers workshops designed to meet the business

Check Out Our Current 2026 Line-Up:

AZ MEP Lean Green Belt Certification Course - Cohort 8 - March 16th

AZ MEP Leadership Development Program - April 14th

AZ MEP Overview of Lean with Simulation - April 15th

AZ MEP Production Management Training - July 7th

Visit our website for complete details on all of our workshops.

Announcements & News Continued

underline manufacturing’s evolving role and its reliance on innovation to drive productivity. ◊

APAA Applauds Century Aluminum and EGA’s Historic Partnership to Build First New U.S. Aluminum Smelter in 50 Years

The APAA applauds a new joint development agreement between Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminum(EGA) to build the first new U.S. smelter in 50 years, an investment that will generate an annual economic impact of billions. The partners plan to build the new smelter at a site in Inola, Oklahoma, and it is projected to produce 750,000 tonnes of aluminum per year.

The project is expected to more than double U.S. primary aluminum production, creating over 1,000 permanent jobs and over 4,000 jobs during construction.

“This partnership between Century Aluminum and EGA is the biggest step yet toward making the nation’s largest smelter featuring the world’s most advanced smelting technology a reality. President Trump’s 50% aluminum

tariff is the rocket fuel propelling this historic growth in America’s aluminum industry,” remarked APAA President Mark Duffy. “As a result of President Trump’s leadership, the Section 232 aluminum tariff is delivering billions of dollars in new investment for our country and creating over 5,000 new American jobs that will strengthen U.S. economic and national security.”

This partnership will ensure that the U.S. is a major player in the aluminum industry for many years to come, by constructing a smelter built for the future. Engineering work has already begun, and construction is expected to begin by the end of 2026. The APAA commends President Trump for implementing policies that are stimulating such significant growth for the domestic aluminum industry.

About the American Primary Aluminum Association:

The American Primary Aluminum Association advances the interests of America’s primary aluminum industry and its workers through the Aluminum Now campaign. APAA is registered and incorporated in Washington, DC and operates as a non-profit trade association. For more, please visit: www.aluminumnow.org. ◊

Industrial & Commercial Electrical

• Build Outs

• Relocations

• Service Change Outs & Upgrades

• Interior & Exterior Lighting

• Manufacturing Facilities

• Machine Shop Setup/Relocation

• Generator

• Panel Upgrades

• Electrical System Design & Install

• Projects in Highly Sensitive & Food Safety Areas

Commercial & Residential HVAC

• Seasonal Assessment/Maintenance

• Monthly Filter Changes *commercial units only

• Unit Repairs

• Compressed Air Lines

• Unit Replacements & Upgrades

• New Installations (incl. duct work)

• Electric & Gas Furnaces

• Indoor Air Quality Controls

Announcements & News Continued

Raytheon (RTX) Accelerates Missile Production Amid Government Pressure

In early February 2026, Raytheon Technologies (RTX) announced a significant ramp-up of key missile production lines following pressure from federal policymakers to strengthen U.S. defense industrial capacity. Under recent Pentagon agreements, Raytheon will substantially increase annual output of several critical systems — including Tomahawk cruise missiles, Advanced MediumRange Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), SM-6 surface-to-air missiles, and other interceptors — with scaled delivery rates as much as four times current volumes. The contracts also cover expanded production of SM-3 IIA and SM-3 IB missile defense interceptors.

This move comes amid public admonitions by government leaders urging defense primes to invest more aggressively in manufacturing capability and delivery performance. Raytheon has responded with plans for increased capital investment — roughly $500 million in 2026 — aimed at enhancing facilities, automation, and

workforce growth across its munitions fabs. The expanded capacity is intended to meet not only U.S. Department of Defense demand but also allied requirements, which have surged amid shifting geopolitical tensions.

Industry observers note that ramping production at scale involves overcoming supply chain bottlenecks, skilled labor constraints, and material sourcing challenges that have dogged the sector for years. For Raytheon and other defense manufacturers, the challenge lies in balancing increased output expectations with sustainable costs and quality control.

Continued investment in factory modernization, digital manufacturing, and workforce training will be key to maintaining long-term competitiveness. Overall, the strategic shift toward accelerated missile production highlights how defense contractors are adapting U.S. industrial capacity to meet both national security priorities and evolving global threats in 2026. ◊

Boeing’s 2026 Production, Certification, and Delivery Outlook

Boeing entered 2026 with a clear focus on strengthening its manufacturing performance and commercial aircraft delivery cadence after several challenging years. Company guidance and industry analyses suggest that 2026 will be a pivotal year for ramping production rates — particularly for its 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner families — and pursuing critical certification milestones for newer models like the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10.

The Year Ahead with A2Z Magazine

By Charlie & Alex Hushek

As the new owners, we are honored to carry forward a publication that has served the manufacturing community for more than 20 years.

Our commitment is simple: preserve what makes A2Z trusted — and strengthen the areas that help our advertisers succeed.

In just our first month, we launched a completely redesigned website at www.A2Zmanufacturing.com.

This update reflects the direction we are heading: modern, easy to navigate, and built to increase visibility for our advertisers while delivering even stronger content to our readers. Much like the manufacturing world, A2Z is evolving — not away from its roots, but forward in a way that supports today’s needs.

Over the next few months, we will continue rolling out new digital tools and community features that will expand industry engagement and help ensure your message reaches the right audience across multiple platforms.

Honoring the Legacy of A2Z

We want to express our sincere gratitude to Kim and Linda, whose passion and hard work shaped this publication for more than two decades. Their foundation is what allows us to

build the next chapter, and we are committed to upholding the mission they established.

2026 Email Marketing Expansion

Starting in 2026, A2Z will be greatly expanding its email marketing capabilities. Every issue will now be emailed directly to our full subscriber list, giving your advertisements both print and digital visibility with each publication.

We have also brought inhouse email marketing specialists to help optimize performance and ensure your ad dollars go further in the digital space.

In the new year, we will introduce several new email-based advertising opportunities, including:

• Dedicated email features

• Featured stories

• Content blocks

• Logo or business-highlight placements

These additions are designed to give advertisers more ways to expand reach and strengthen brand visibility. More details will be shared in early 2026.

Convenient New Billing and Planning Tools

As part of our modernization, we will be shifting from physical invoices to digital QuickBooks invoices, where you can conveniently pay by ACH or credit card.

We are also introducing more streamlined internal processes for advertisers. Soon, all advertisers will use an insertion form system, which will help clarify run schedules, improve communication, and ensure every advertisement receives consistent, high-quality placement.

Design Support Now Available

• 75% keep an issue for at least a month, increasing ad visibility far beyond a single read

• Print readers are 37% more likely to pay attention to advertisements than online audiences

For manufacturing professionals—who value trust, credibility, and clarity—print remains one of the most powerful ways to reach decision-makers.

Looking Ahead

We are thrilled to welcome a professional graphic designer to the A2Z team. If your ad could use a refresh— or if you need help building new creative from scratch—we’re here to support you. Clean, compelling design helps improve visibility and response, and this service is now available to all advertisers. Contact us as advertising@ a2zmanufacturing.com to learn more.

New LinkedIn Support for Advertisers

To expand your reach beyond the magazine, we will be offering LinkedIn posting services to highlight our advertisers and increase your digital presence starting in the new year. This is a simple way to complement your print and digital advertising with additional online exposure.

We also invite you to follow our LinkedIn page and share it with your network. Every new follower helps amplify the reach of your message across the manufacturing community.

Referral Savings

To thank you for helping grow the A2Z community, we are offering a one-time 10% discount on any cover story or advertisement for each referral who signs on.

Print Advertising Remains One of the Most Effective Ways to Reach Manufacturers

Recent research from the Baxter Research Center continues to show the strength of niche print publications:

• 75% of readers spend 30+ minutes with each issue

• 80% revisit the same issue multiple times — often 3 or more

Our vision is to honor A2Z’s longstanding mission while elevating the value of every ad dollar you invest. We are excited for the road ahead, and we are committed to ensuring that your partnership with A2Z continues to yield strong, reliable results.

If you have any questions about upcoming changes, expanded opportunities, or ways we can better support your marketing plans, please reach out anytime. We are here for you.

A2Z Manufacturing (480) 395-3288

connect@a2zmanufacturing.com a2zmanufacturing.com

Interested

Investor presentations and earnings discussions from late 2025 outlined Boeing’s framework for 2026: maintaining higher 737 and 787 production, advancing certifications with regulatory agencies, and moving toward positive free cash flow, a key financial goal after operational turbulence earlier in the decade. Gaining certification for the MAX 7 and MAX 10 is seen as essential to unlocking deeper market demand and supporting expanded deliveries.

Beyond commercial jets, Boeing’s defense division continued manufacturing support for legacy platforms, such as the C-17A Globemaster sustainment and fleet modernization, reflecting the company’s blended role across commercial, defense, and space segments. Recent contract awards from the U.S. Air Force aim to keep C-17A fleets mission-ready for years, showcasing how Boeing’s industrial footprint extends beyond new aircraft production to service life extension and logistics support.

Additionally, market reports indicate that Boeing pulled ahead of rival Airbus in early 2026 aircraft deliveries and new orders, with significantly higher commercial jet shipment volumes in January. This early momentum can bolster Boeing’s cash flow and supply chain stability if sustained throughout the year.

Overall, Boeing’s 2026 strategy blends disciplined production ramp-up, quality oversight, regulatory alignment, and expanded defense work — all aimed at revitalizing manufacturing performance and establishing a foundation for long-term growth. ◊

Tungaloy Corporation Expansion

Iwaki, Japan – January 2026 – Tungaloy Corporation (President: Satoshi Kinoshita; Head Office: Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture) announces the expansion of its DLC-coated DS2000 Series, designed for high-performance machining of aluminum and nonferrous materials. The expanded lineup delivers superior surface finish, longer tool life, and improved productivity across turning, threading, and milling applications.

As industries such as automotive, aerospace, semiconductors, robotics, and housing materials continue shifting toward lightweight, high-efficiency designs, demand for precise machining of aluminum alloys and non-ferrous metals is increasing.

However, these materials present challenges including built-up edge (BUE), adhesion, and burr formation, which can negatively impact surface finish and tool life. Tungaloy’s DS2000 Series addresses these challenges

We Saved This Space For You

Well, not officially.

But we did leave it open for manufacturers who want to stay visible, credible, and top of mind in the industry. Let’s talk about advertising.

Announcements & News Continued

with advanced DLC coating technology optimized for non-ferrous machining.

The expanded lineup includes ISO turning inserts, TungThread threading tools, and a wide range of milling cutters, such as TungForce-Rec, Tung-Tri, TungAluMill, DoMultiRec, TFE/EFE face mills, DoPent, and TungMill.

Together, these tools support everything from highprecision turning and threading to high-speed shoulder and face milling, offering stable performance across diverse applications and machining environments.

A newly developed DLC coating significantly reduces adhesion and suppresses built-up edge formation, resulting in bright, high-quality surface finishes and reduced need for secondary finishing. The coating’s high hardness and heat resistance slow wear progression, extending tool life and reducing tool change frequency. Strong coating adhesion ensures stable cutting performance even under high-speed and high-efficiency conditions.

The DS2000 Series is available in DS2005, optimized

for high-speed wear resistance, and DS2015, offering a balanced combination of wear and chipping resistance. This expanded lineup provides manufacturers with a versatile, reliable solution for maximizing productivity, surface quality, and cost efficiency when machining aluminum and non-ferrous materials. ◊

Lockheed Martin Signs Major Pentagon Production Expansion Deal

In January 2026, Lockheed Martin announced a landmark partnership agreement with the U.S. Department of War to dramatically expand production capacity for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors. The framework deal — one of the most significant acquisition transformations in recent defense history — will increase annual interceptor production from around 600 to nearly 2,000 units over the next seven years

This acceleration responds to rising global demand for advanced air-and-missile defense systems from both the U.S. military and allied nations. The PAC-3 MSE interceptor plays a vital role in layered air defense architectures, and scaling its production supports broader

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Colorado

Space

Defense

Company

Raises

“Retail sales are up, and sectors such as transportation, logistics, warehousing, and construction are performing extremely well,” Arora added. “Right now, business owners are confident in the future of their firms. August is typically a slow month for loan volume, but that wasn’t the case this year.”

$100 Million, Plans To Hire Dozens

A company building spaceflight training technology for U.S. Space Force warfighters raised $100 million in venture capital that will fund significant hiring in the coming months.

Business loan approval rates rose at regional and community banks as well. Small banks granted 49.8 percent of the funding requests they received in August, up one-tenth from July. It represents the highest figure for small banks since November 2014.

True Anomaly, based in Centennial, revealed the Series B funding round, saying it will help the 18-monthold business expand, hiring dozens of hardware and software employees over the next year.

defense modernization objectives. In addition to expanding manufacturing throughput, Lockheed Martin’s agreement is expected to create thousands of U.S. jobs across the missile supply chain, while enabling facility upgrades, workforce training, and supplier investments

Institutional lenders — pension funds and insurance companies — remained unchanged at an Index record 64.9 percent, up one-tenth of a percent from July’s figure.

“It’s an awesome external validation of our thesis and the traction we’ve been able to accumulate to date,” said Even Rogers, co-founder and CEO of the company.

The unique financing structure of the acquisition strategy also supports investment confidence by providing long-term demand certainty, helping to align production facilities with future contract flows more efficiently. Lockheed Martin’s recent increases in PAC-3 MSE deliveries demonstrate the company’s ability to respond to evolving defense requirements, and this deal institutionalizes and accelerates that capability.

Loan approval rates among alternative lenders rose to 56.6 percent, one-tenth of a percent higher than in the previous month.

Alternative lenders have become a source of quick capital. When small business owners, alternative lenders could approve riskier loans via innovations in fintech, which give them more flexibility than the banks to adjust rates and covenants on the deals. This includes an ability to accept non-conventional sources of collateral, such as real estate and outstanding invoices (h/t Forbes).

True Anomaly has grown from about 50 employees to 107 over the past year. It expects to expand to over 190 by the end of 2024, Rogers said.

True Anomaly formed in early 2022 to help the U.S. military, especially Space Force, respond to the growing militarization of space and the need to have space ﬁghters learn and practice the art of ﬂying satellites and spacecraft in orbit in potentially hostile situations.

The expanded interceptor capacity dovetails with broader U.S. defense posture shifts emphasizing resiliency, rapid procurement, and deeper industrial base engagements. As Lockheed Martin scales up, its investments in digital manufacturing technologies and production integration are expected to further streamline output and support integration with other advanced systems. ◊

Credit unions approved 40.2 percent of loan applications in August, a slight drop of one-tenth of a percent from July and a large drop from their all-time high of 57.9 percent in March 2012. By Anthony Noto – Reporter, New York Business Journal

The company built a pair of small satellites, called Jackal, that will be used for training after they’re launched to low Earth orbit about 350 miles above the planet.

How Millennials’ Technology Expectations Can Help Save Manufacturing

Northrop Grumman Eyes Faster B-21 Raider Production Amid Funding Talks

Millennials’ technology expectations have been shaped by smartphones, Facebook and digital media – in other words, by easy and ubiquitous connectivity. It’s not surprising, then, that traditional manufacturing systems can seem as retro as waiting for dial-up internet to connect. And that’s bad for the manufacturing sector, because its skills gap is looming large.

The satellites are scheduled to blast off aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 10 mission carrying many companies‘ small satellites to orbit in March.

True Anomaly has ofﬁces in Colorado Springs, where its training center for U.S. military space fighters, many of them U.S. Space Force Guardians, will be. Its Centennial headquarters, just south of Denver, is where the business designs, builds and operates satellites and develops software for satellite operations.

Northrop Grumman’s CEO indicated in early 2026 that the company is close to securing a deal to **accelerate production of the Air Force’s next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber. Discussions with the U.S. Air Force could conclude within months, positioning Northrop to boost manufacturing rates for one of the Pentagon’s most strategic defense programs.

A joint study by the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte Consulting projects a surge of nearly 3.5 million open manufacturing jobs created over the next decade. Some of the empty slots will come by way of retiring baby boomers, while others are related to new positions created as a result of natural business growth, the report found.What the report also predicts: As conditions stand now, 2 million of those jobs will go unfulfilled. In other words, the need for the manufacturing sector to appeal to Millennials – the generation typically defined as those born between 1981 and 1997 – is both critical and a very tall order.

The B-21 Raider, designed to replace aging bomber fleets and maintain long-range strike capabilities, represents a significant step forward in U.S. military aviation. Its advanced stealth, integrated systems, and multi-domain mission flexibility make it a priority for national defense requirements.

Its Mosaic software is being designed to use artificial intelligence and automation to help space warfighters fly dozens of small satellites in coordination with each other to a degree that hasn’t been readily available to the military, Rogers said.

Indeed, manufacturing still has a negative image among younger generations, experts say. In a 2015 public perception of manufacturing study, also by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte, respondents ages 19 to 33 ranked manufacturing as their lowest preference in terms of potential career choices.

Northrop’s effort to finalize funding and production plans comes as federal lawmakers and military leaders look to expand defense manufacturing capacity, even as government budgeting uncertainty — including potential shutdowns — looms.

The Space Force in September awarded the company $17 million in a small business innovation research grant to further work on Mosaic. With its new VC funding, the company also plans to build dozens of satellites in 2024 and 2025 it will launch to add to its training portfolio.By Greg Avery – Denver Business Journal

Manufacturing’s image problem is complex and in, some aspects, based on false assumptions. But one real obstacle is that some manufacturing systems can seem antiquated, and it’s an issue that many manufacturers and related organizations are already addressing.

If finalized, the production acceleration agreement could unlock broader industrial investment, enabling Northrop’s supply chain to scale parts production, workforce training, and assembly throughput. The initiative also aligns with national defense priorities to field critical capabilities faster while sustaining domestic industrial base health.

October Rocky Mtn 2018.indd 38

While this deal is not yet concluded, industry analysts see its potential as a strategic lever to strengthen U.S. aerospace manufacturing at a time when defense readiness and supply chain resilience are central to national security objectives. ◊

Kratos and L3Harris Move to Scale Hypersonic Rocket Motor Production

In late 2025, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. took a major step to expand U.S. hypersonic propulsion capacity by issuing a letter of intent to L3Harris Technologies for the production of 60 Zeus hypersonic solid rocket motors — a strategic move that could significantly boost domestic rocket motor manufacturing for defense and research applications.

Under the agreement, Kratos plans to acquire 40 Zeus 1 and 20 Zeus 2 motors, both high-performance 32.5inch diameter solid rocket motors (SRMs) designed to deliver substantial thrust improvements over legacy suborbital motors while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure and payloads. These solid rocket motors are engineered specifically for rapid, full-rate production, enabling U.S. government customers to conduct more frequent tests and missions at lower cost.

Kratos developed the Zeus family in response to a growing requirement for affordable and resilient propulsion platforms across a range of hypersonic test missions, ballistic missile defense experiments, scientific research flights, and special operations.

By investing its own capital in Zeus development and inventory ahead of formal customer contracts, Kratos aims to accelerate delivery timelines and align with federal acquisition reform priorities focused on speed, affordability, and readiness.

For L3Harris, the letter of intent — if finalized into a full contract — represents a significant production scale-up, increasing its annual output of Zeus motors by more than 50 percent at its Camden, Arkansas energetics campus, one of the U.S.’s largest solid motor manufacturing sites. The facility already produces more than 115,000 m

otors annually across various sizes and missions, and this order would further deepen its role in hypersonic and advanced propulsion manufacturing.

The Zeus rocket motors are slated to support test programs such as the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed, which facilitates rapid and cost-effective experimentation for U.S.

REAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.

Announcements & News Continued

Department of Defense customers. Increased production capacity for these advanced SRMs underscores the expanding role of hypersonic systems in national security and test infrastructure, and marks a meaningful investment in domestic propulsion manufacturing. ◊

SpaceX and Blue Origin in Space Manufacturing & Launch Competition

Although direct news coverage for SpaceX and Blue Origin within the strict Jan–Feb 2026 window is limited, industry forecasts and aerospace reports highlight major ongoing developments in their manufacturing and launch efforts — including planned lunar cargo missions and next-generation launch hardware tests.

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is slated for lunar cargo delivery missions in early 2026, continuing the company’s push to compete more robustly with SpaceX in heavy lift and deep space operations.

SpaceX, meanwhile, has continued building out its Starlink satellite constellation, launching multiple units in February 2026, and remains a dominant player in reusable rocketry and space manufacturing. Aerospace publications also note that SpaceX’s ongoing work on Starship V3 long-duration missions and in-space refueling experiments tie directly into NASA’s Artemis program and future commercial space infrastructure.

Blue Origin’s lunar lander development, known as Blue Moon Mark 1, and SpaceX’s advancement of Starship concepts exemplify how next-generation spacecraft production is increasingly central to the U.S. space industrial base.

These programs involve substantial manufacturing of high-precision components, propulsion systems, and mission support hardware — activities that contribute to jobs, supply chain depth, and advanced engineering talent across the U.S. aerospace sector. ◊

Pratt & Whitney Secures Major GTF Engine Order at Singapore Airshow

In February 2026, Pratt & Whitney, the U.S.-headquartered aircraft engine manufacturer and business unit of RTX, announced a substantial new order that underscores continued global demand for its advanced propulsion technologies. At the Singapore Airshow 2026, Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet Air selected Pratt & Whitney’s GTF (Geared Turbofan) engines to power an additional 44 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including 24 A321neos and 20 A321XLRs.

This deal brings Vietjet’s total commitment for GTFpowered aircraft to 137 units, reinforcing the airline’s long-term strategy of fleet modernization through fuel-efficient, low-emission technologies. Orders are scheduled for delivery beginning in July 2026, with Pratt & Whitney also providing a 12-year EngineWise® comprehensive maintenance agreement to support operations and maintain performance standards over the engines’ service life.

The GTF engine family has become a leading propulsion choice for the Airbus A320neo aircraft due to its up to 20 % improvement in fuel efficiency and significantly reduced noise footprint compared to legacy designs. These performance gains align with airlines’ goals to reduce operating costs and environmental impact while supporting expanding route networks in Asia-Pacific and beyond.

For manufacturing and aerospace supply chains, this order reflects sustained confidence in U.S. aerospace production and global engine maintenance capacity. Pratt & Whitney continues to invest in expanding its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint and strengthening its engine supply chain to support both commercial and defense customers. The agreement with Vietjet also highlights how advanced engine technologies remain central to airline growth strategies amid ongoing industry recovery from pandemic-era disruptions. ◊

Collins Aerospace Deploys Advanced Connectivity Services for Thai Airways

In early February 2026, Collins Aerospace, a major aerospace systems supplier within RTX, announced the deployment of its GlobalConnect℠ advanced connectivity services across the A321neo fleet of Thai Airways. This initiative centers on Collins’ FOMAX (Flight Operations and Maintenance Exchanger) system, a digital platform that enhances real-time data flow between aircraft, flight crews, and ground teams to improve operational efficiency, safety, and predictive maintenance capacity.

Under the agreement, Collins Aerospace’s GlobalConnect platform leverages ACARS over IP (AoIP) technology, enabling faster, more secure transmission of critical aircraft health data over modern communications networks. Airlines can use this information for enhanced situational awareness, early detection of maintenance needs, and streamlined fleet operations

For manufacturers and airline operators alike, the

This development highlights the increasing role of connected aircraft technologies in modern aerospace manufacturing and operations. As airlines embrace digital transformation, suppliers like Collins are positioning themselves as key partners — not just in hardware production, but in delivering integrated solutions that tie manufacturing excellence to operational intelligence and fleet performance. ◊

The Apple Core of American Industry: Inside the $600 Billion Manufacturing Revolution

For decades, the “Designed by Apple in California” inscription on the back of every iPhone was followed by a quiet, unspoken reality: Assembled in China. But if you’ve been watching the headlines over the last 60 days, you might have noticed the wind is shifting. From the flatlands of Texas to the rolling hills of Kentucky, the Silicon Valley giant is putting its money where the “Main Street” is.

Apple has officially leveled up its commitment to the United States, pledging a staggering $600 billion in domestic investment over the next four years. This isn’t just a PR stunt or a modest “buy local” campaign—it’s a massive, high-speed recalibration of how the world’s most valuable tech company builds its future.

Announcements

& News Continued

move illustrates how advanced digital services are becoming integral to aircraft performance optimization. Rather than focusing solely on mechanical components, aerospace suppliers like Collins now provide software-driven, data-centric systems that deliver insights directly tied to operational reliability and safety outcomes.

The rollout coincides with Thai Airways’ broader fleet growth, with the airline placing its first A321neo into service in January 2026 as part of an expanding narrow-body aircraft roster. Collins Aerospace’s connectivity solutions are expected to be installed progressively across the airline’s expanding A321neo fleet, supporting enhanced service quality and cost efficiencies through dataenabled predictive maintenance.

Houston, We Have Production

The biggest news of early 2026 is coming out of Texas. While Houston is famous for NASA and energy, it’s about to become the new home of the Mac mini.

For the first time ever, Apple is moving the production of its compact desktop to a brand-new facility in Houston. This move doubles Apple’s manufacturing footprint in the city and represents a significant “reshoming” of

consumer electronics. But the Mac mini isn’t the only thing rolling off the line.

The Houston campus is already ahead of schedule in producing advanced AI servers. These aren’t your average computers; they are the literal “brains” behind Apple Intelligence, the personal AI system that powers everything from Siri’s new capabilities to private cloud computing. By manufacturing the logic boards and assembling the servers right here in the U.S., Apple is ensuring that the infrastructure of our digital lives is built with a level of domestic oversight and security that was previously impossible.

“We began shipping advanced AI servers from Houston ahead of schedule, and we’re excited to accelerate that work even further,” Apple CEO Tim Cook recently noted. It’s clear the company is in a sprint, not a crawl.

The Silicon “All-American” Supply Chain

While the Houston assembly lines are the visible face of this movement, the real magic is happening under the hood—specifically, in the world of semiconductors. Apple’s American Manufacturing Program (AMP) is working to create an “end-to-end” onshore silicon supply chain.

To understand the scale, look at the numbers: In 2025 alone, Apple sourced more than 20 billion U.S.-made chips from 24 different factories across 12 states. By the end of 2026, Apple is on track to purchase over 100 million advanced chips from TSMC’s massive new facility in Arizona.

This isn’t just about one factory; it’s an entire ecosystem:

• Arizona: Partnering with Amkor and TSMC to package and test the world’s most advanced 4-nanometer chips.

• Texas: Working with GlobalWafers in Sherman to produce the raw silicon wafers that become the foundation of every chip.

• New York: Collaborating with GlobalFoundries in Malta to produce the wireless and power management chips that keep our devices connected.

From Bluegrass to Bright Screens

If you’ve ever dropped your iPhone and breathed a sigh of relief when the screen didn’t shatter, you likely have the folks in Harrodsburg, Kentucky to thank. Apple has deepened its decades-long partnership with Corning, investing billions to turn the Kentucky plant into the most advanced smartphone glass facility on the planet.

As of this year, every single iPhone and Apple Watch

sold globally will feature cover glass made in Kentucky. It’s a point of pride for the region and a cornerstone of Apple’s domestic strategy. To keep the momentum going, the two companies are launching the Apple-Corning Innovation Center, a dedicated lab where engineers will cook up the next generation of “unbreakable” materials.

More Than Machines: The Human Element

Building factories is one thing; staffing them with the world’s best talent is another. Apple’s investment includes a heavy focus on the American workforce. The company plans to directly hire 20,000 people in the U.S. over the next four years, with a focus on high-skilled roles like silicon engineering, AI, and software development.

But the most “energetic” part of this plan might be the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Launched recently, the academy is already training employees from over 130 small-to-medium-sized American businesses.

A Better Approach to Setting Your Strategy

By Lee Benson

Does your business hold annual strategy sessions?

If so, is an annual cadence the right one? Before deciding, it’s important to clarify what strategy really means for your business. Most definitions describe strategy as a plan of action to achieve specific objectives.

Here is my definition of strategy: Approaches to increasing the value of your business. In my experience, stating the purpose of setting a strategy in this way makes it easier for your leadership team to get their heads around it and to participate productively.

Here are a few things that are not strategy:

• Doing your job

• Continually improving

• Setting goals that aren’t realistic

Every team member should do their job and strive for ongoing improvement as a baseline expectation. Setting ambitious goals, such as increasing growth by 20%, is only meaningful if there is a realistic plan to achieve it. Stretch goals are valuable, but they must be grounded in reality.

I always say the CEO’s top job is to keep increasing the business’s value, responsibly and continually. But it’s not a solo act; it’s a team sport. When you gather your leaders for strategy sessions, make sure everyone knows the goal: walk away with just a handful of strategic initiatives that will really move the needle for your business.

So, what exactly is a strategic initiative?

It’s doing something different enough from your day-today that it results in a real step change in your business’s value.

I’ve run hundreds of strategy sessions for all kinds of companies, and one thing I see all the time: way too many so-called “strategic” initiatives. I sort them into three buckets:

1. Please ndo your job statements.

2. Goals not based in reality

3. Real strategic initiatives

For example, one large company I worked with had over 100 strategic initiatives listed for 2024. After review, we narrowed the list to four initiatives, each designed to drive substantial increases in cash flow within a year.

When you prepare for your own strategy session, zoom out and look at your business from start to finish, what I call your “value creation flow.” Here’s what that can look like:

1. Awareness: How customers find out about you

2. Marketing: Generating marketing qualified leads (MQLs)

3. Sales: Generating and closing on sales-qualified leads (SQLs)

4. Delivering your products or services

5. Ongoing customer experience

Look at each step. Do you spot any weak links? Your best strategic initiatives usually address the weakest links in your value-creation flow. And as your business grows, your weak link will change. That’s normal!

For each initiative, estimate how it will increase business value if successfully executed. Focus on no more than three significant strategic initiatives at a time. As you complete one, add another after thoughtful review with your leadership team. This approach ensures strategic planning is a continual process, not a one-time per year event.

By framing strategy in this way, your leadership team can focus on a few impactful initiatives to increase business value. Remember: Do less, but do it better.

Next month, I will discuss a business model framework designed to help your leaders generate even greater value. ◊

From Raw to Refined— How Well Do You Know the Process?

Take a break and test your industry knowledge.

Down

1. Process of extracting metal from ore using heat

2. Preparing finished goods for shipment

4. Final stage where products are delivered to customers

5. Pouring molten metal into a mold to form a shape

6. A semi-finished metal bar used for further processing

8. Removing material from a workpiece to achieve precise dimensions

9. Thermal process used to alter metal properties

12. Naturally occurring material mined for valuable metals

(Answer Key found on page 84)

Across

3. Shaping metal using compressive force

5. Protective or functional layer applied to a surface

7. Quality control step that verifies conformance to specifications

10. Computer-controlled machining technology

11. Process of putting components together to create a final product

13. Acceptable dimensional variation in manufacturing

14. A metal created by combining two or more elements

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Announcements & News Continued

They aren’t just learning how to use a screwdriver; they are being taught:

1. AI & Automation: How to integrate smart robots into the workflow. 2. Smart Manufacturing: Using data to make factories more efficient. 3. Process Optimization: The “Apple Way” of making high-quality products at scale.

By sharing its secretive “playbook” with smaller suppliers, Apple is effectively lifting the entire tide of American manufacturing.

Why Now? The Big Picture

You might wonder why a company that has spent 30 years mastering global

logistics is suddenly obsessed with making things in America. The answer is a mix of resilience and policy.

The global supply chain shocks of the early 2020s taught every CEO a hard lesson: putting all your eggs in one basket is a recipe for disaster. By diversifying its manufacturing to the U.S., Apple is protecting itself against geopolitical instability and shipping delays.

Additionally, the economic climate has changed. With new trade policies and federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, it is more financially viable than ever to build high-tech hardware in the States.

Apple is leveraging these shifts to secure its margins while simultaneously becoming a champion of the “Made in USA” movement.

A Glimpse Into the Future

So, what does this mean for the person walking into an Apple Store in 2027? It means that when you pick up a Mac mini or a new iPhone, there’s a very high chance the silicon inside was baked in Arizona, the glass was forged in Kentucky, and the final assembly happened in Texas.

Apple’s $600 billion bet is more than just a capital expenditure; it’s a statement of faith in American innovation. It proves that with the right investment and technology, the U.S. can compete on the global stage not just in design, but in the gritty, high-stakes world of advanced manufacturing.

The “Apple Core” is officially back in the U.S., and if current trends are any indication, the harvest is going to be spectacular. ◊

YOUR PROJECT IS ONLY AS STRONG AS THE STEEL BEHIND IT.

At Arizona Iron Supply, our greatest strength is our people. Together, we do more than move metal—we help move the industry forward. With one unified team and a shared vision, we are committed to delivering reliability, quality, and results on every project.

Arizona Iron Supply—built on strength, driven to deliver. Call

Announcements & News Continued

The New Empire State: Inside Micron’s $100 Billion Memory Mega-Fab

If you take a drive about ten minutes outside of Syracuse, New York, to the town of Clay, you’ll find the epicenter of a modern-day gold rush. But they aren’t digging for yellow metal; they are building the future of “digital gold”—the memory chips that power everything from your smartphone to the most advanced Artificial Intelligence on the planet.

On January 16, 2026, the soil of Central New York was officially turned in a groundbreaking ceremony that felt less like a construction start and more like a regional rebirth. Micron Technology, the Boise-born titan of the semiconductor world, has officially begun work on its $100 billion “Mega-Fab” campus. This isn’t just a big factory; it is the largest private investment in New York State history and a cornerstone of the American manufacturing renaissance.

A Project of “Mega” Proportions

To understand why everyone is calling this a “Mega-

Fab,” you have to look at the sheer scale of the vision. Over the next 20 years, Micron plans to build up to four massive fabrication plants (fabs) on this single 1,300-acre site.

When the dust settles, the campus will house approximately 2.4 million square feet of cleanroom space. For those who don’t measure in “cleanrooms,” that is roughly the size of 40 U.S. football fields filled with ultra-high-tech machinery, robotics, and some of the most sterile environments ever created by humans.

This project is a direct result of the CHIPS and Science Act, which provided billions in federal grants and tax credits to ensure the next generation of memory chips—specifically DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)—is “Made in the USA.” Currently, the U.S. produces less than 2% of the world’s memory chips; Micron’s goal is to help push that to 10% by 2035.

The “AI Data Center Arms Race”

Why now? The answer is two letters: AI.

As we move deeper into 2026, the demand for

A Davis Industries Company

memory isn’t just growing— it’s exploding. AI models like those used by Google, Meta, and Amazon require massive amounts of specialized, highperformance memory (like HBM3E and the newly sampled HBM4) to process data at lightning speeds.

Micron’s New York mega-fab will be the primary source for these advanced chips. By 2030, it is estimated that one in every four American-made chips will come from this New York corridor. This creates a secure, domestic supply chain that protects the U.S. from global disruptions while powering the next wave of innovation in autonomous vehicles and highperformance computing.

50,000 Reasons to Cheer: The Economic Impact

The most energetic part of this story isn’t the silicon; it’s the people. The “Micron Effect” is expected to transform Central New York’s economy in a way not seen since the 1950s.

• Direct Jobs: Micron will eventually employ 9,000 people directly at the facility in highpaying roles like engineers, technicians, and data analysts.

• The Ripple Effect: For every one person Micron hires, another 5.5 jobs are created in the community. That adds up to over 40,000 community jobs for suppliers, contractors, and local services.

• The “Erie Canal” Moment: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called this the region’s “Erie Canal moment,” predicting a population surge that could return Syracuse to its 1970s peak.

Best of all for the local workforce? You don’t necessarily need a PhD to get in on the action. Roughly 60% of semiconductor manufacturing jobs do not

require a four-year degree, and these roles typically pay 25% more than other industrial sectors.

Looking Toward 2030

While the groundbreaking happened in early 2026, the road ahead is a marathon, not a sprint. Construction on the first two fabs is the immediate priority, with the first chips expected to roll off the line by 2030.

Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra summed up the energy of the project best during the ceremony:

“This is a pivotal moment for Micron and the United States.” It’s a bold bet that the heart of the “Silicon Heartland” isn’t in California or even Austin—it’s in Upstate New York. ◊

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery EQUIPMENT

AND SERVICES

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery EQUIPMENT

AND SERVICES

TUBING:

Reamers & Drills, PCD

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery EQUIPMENT AND

SERVICES

4114 West Saturn Way, Suite 103

Arizona 85226

Email: skrueger@indsupply.com

Scott Krueger

Scott

Email: skrueger@indsupply.com

Email:

Call: (928) 258-2101

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery

PROCESSES

Technology

Daniel Sahhar President

ADDITIVE MFG / 3 D PRINTING

VFT (Vacuum Furnace Thermocouple) Assemblies BAR CODING

Sensing Solutions

Thermo Couples

Bending: CNC

BROACHING CASTINGS

Castings: Prototype

Castings: Production

Coating: Black Oxide

Coating: Dry Film Lube

Coating: Electroplate

Coating: Nickel/Teflon Coating: NP3

Coating:Zinc & Mag.Phos.

Coating:Passivation

Powder Coating

COIL PROCESSING CUTTING

Bandsaw Cutting Laser

Plasma Cutting

Tube Laser Cutting

Turret Punching

DESIGN

DIE CASTING

Die Casting/Aluminum & Zinc DIES

EDM

EDM: Drilling Small Hole

EDM: Ram-Type (Sinker)

EDM: Dialectric Systems /Filtration

EDM: Wire

ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING/

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery

PROCESSES

WESTERN CAST PARTS LLC

Precision Machining Sheet Metal Fabrication Tube Bending Heliarc Welding Resistance Welding Aluminum Heat Treat

Jackson Weeks Heat Treat Operations

4045 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ. 85009 (602) 267-7575 (602) 220-0837 fax jacksonw@lynchbros.com

Stamping

Industrial Repair & Fabrication:

Metal Forming

Metal Restoration

Plasma Cutting

Precision Metal Forming

Punching

Roll Forming

Saw Cutting

Jackson Weeks Heat Treat Operations

FINISHING

Precision Machining Sheet Metal Fabrication Tube Bending Heliarc Welding Resistance Welding Aluminum Heat Treat

Abrasive Blasting

Brazing: Aluminum Dip

4045 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ. 85009 (602) 267-7575 (602) 220-0837 fax jacksonw@lynchbros.com

Brazing: Induction

Brazing: Vacuum

Carburizing

Chemfild

Jackson Weeks Heat Treat Operations

Dry Film Lubrication

Precision Machining Sheet Metal Fabrication Tube Bending Heliarc Welding Resistance Welding Aluminum Heat Treat

Electro-Polishing

Glass Bead Clean

4045 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ. 85009 (602) 267-7575 (602) 220-0837 fax jacksonw@lynchbros.com

Nitriding: Gaseous

Nitriding: Salt Bath

Passivation

Polishing

Jackson Weeks Heat Treat Operations

Sand Blasting

Precision Machining Sheet Metal Fabrication Tube Bending Heliarc Welding Resistance Welding Aluminum Heat Treat

Stripping

FIXTURES

FOUNDRY

4045 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ. 85009 (602) 267-7575 (602) 220-0837 fax jacksonw@lynchbros.com

GRINDING

Grinding, Blanchard

Grinding: Centerless (OD)

Jackson Weeks Heat Treat Operations

Grinding, CNC/Contour

Precision Machining Sheet Metal Fabrication Tube Bending Heliarc Welding Resistance Welding Aluminum Heat Treat

Grinding… Cylindrical

Grinding… Double Disc

4045 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ. 85009 (602) 267-7575 (602) 220-0837 fax jacksonw@lynchbros.com

Grinding…Gear/Spline

Grinding: ID

Grinding: Surface

Grinding: Tool & Cutter

Jackson Weeks Heat Treat Operations

Gun Drilling

Precision Machining Sheet Metal Fabrication Tube Bending Heliarc Welding Resistance Welding Aluminum Heat Treat

HEAT TREATING

4045 W. Washington Street

Heat Treating/NADCAP

(602) 267-7575 (602) 220-0837 fax jacksonw@lynchbros.com

Large Capacity Drop Bottom Oven/ Aluminum Heat Treating

HONING/LAPPING

HYDRO FORMING Tool / PartMarking (Laser) Silk Screen INJECTION MOLDING (PLASTIC)

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery

PROCESSES

Inspection, First Article Inspection Services Inspection Services, Welding Inspection Services, X-Ray Diffraction

KITTING (Electronics)

MACHINING

Machining: 5 Axis

Machining: Aerospace

Machining: Contract

Machining: CNC

Machining: Industrial & Repair

Machining: Large

Machining: Milling

Machining: MultiSwiss

Machining Plastic

Machining Precision

Machining: Production

Machining: Prototype

Machining: Quick Turn

Machining: Semiconductor

Machining: Swiss

Mach: Turning CNC

Machining: Ultra-Precision

MACHINING: LASER

Laser Cutting Fabrication:

Medium & Large Fabrication: Steel

Laser Engraving & Etching Laser Marking

MANUFACTURING

Advanced Fiber Optic Technologies

Turbine Engine Test Instrumentation

Manufacturing: Electrode

Manufacturing: Industrial

MOLDS

Molds: Construction

Molds: Plastic Injection

Anodizing

Electroless

Embrittlement

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery

PRINTED BOARD CUIRCUTS (PCB) PRODUCTION PRODUCTS Industrial Thermocouples SINTERING

SPINNING: Metal

SPRAY: METAL, PLASMA SPRINGS

Flat and Wire Springs STAMPING

Stamping: Aerospace Stamping: Deep Draw

Stamping Design

Stamping Flat Forming

Stamping: Precision

TESTING

Testing: Non-Dest/ Pressure Testing: Turbine Instrumentation

THERMAL SPRAY

Chris Torres - President Jennifer Torres - Vice President

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery

E-Mail:

Buyer’s Guide & Card Gallery

PROCESSES

3D Machine .. ................................82

AAE ...............................................91

Able Electropolishing ............ 56,84

Abrams Airborne Mfg..............................85

ACC Machinery .........................................73

Accu-traq .......................................................81

Active Solutions .........................................82

Adams Machinery .........................47,73,96

AdmiralMetalworking ...1,19,42-44,77

Advanced Precision .................................. 80

AEI Fabrication............................................91

Aero Spring & Mfg............................ ........84

AllFab Engineering ....................................85

Alpha Machine 91

Alpha Mfg Solutions (AMS) 87

American Global Standards 39,79

American Tools & Metals 74,75

Americhem Engineering 75

APS Machining ...........................................87

Arizona CNC .............................. 7,69,73-78

Arizona Iron Supply.................................. 70

Arizona MEP .............................14,28,51,81

Arizona Tool Steel 78

Arizona Wire & Tool ................... .............93

ARNO USA .................................................76

AT&D 83

Auer Precision 85

Avtek ............................................................... 88

Axian Technology ..................................... 82

Ayers Gear & Machining........................ 79

AZ Metals ............................................... 12,76

AZ Precision 80

AZMF Precision 91

AZQM 66-67,86

B&T Tool & Engineering 79

Bank of Herrin 41,81

Banterra Bank.................................2,80

Basic Metals ........................................... 22,78

Beau’s Crates................................................ 80

BEL Machining.......................................... 84

Big O Metals 84

BISON 77

Blaze Precision 83

BLM Group 74,75

Blue Streak Grinding 56,85

BMSC ..................................................... 83, 92

Bystronic ................................................ ,73,74

C&M Rigging .......................................... 6,81

Capital Metal Finishing............................91

Capital Stainless 62-63

Castrol Industrial 76

Challenger Aerospace 87

ChemResearch(CRC) 40,87

Chiron Group 73 CIS................................................................... 82

Cleveland Electric Labs............................91 Coast Aluminum..................................34,77 Coastal Metals...........................................8,78

Coating Tech................................. ..............93 Collins Metal Finishing............................83 Consolidated Resources.....................36,80 Continental Machining...................................88 Continental Precision..........................86,87

Index of Advertisers

Creedbilt Inc.................................................91

D & R Machinery.............................9,73,79

Davis Metals ...................................71,91

Deras Precision....................................87

Desert Precision MF...........................84

Diabetes Center....................................81

Diersen Welding............................46,91

DM Machine Repair..........................80

DMG Mori ................................................73,74 Dolphin 82 Dynamic Machine ..........................16,86

East Valley Precision 89

Ebbco Inc. .............................................

K-2 Manufacturing 91

KALOS Certifications.........................81

KLK Inc 88

KTR Machine................................. 21,74

Kurt Manufacturing Co..................... 78

L&W Machine Co. 87

Landmark Solutions 15,75

Lang-Technik 74

Latitude Machinery ............................ 74

Layke Inc................................................ 83

LEI Machining 88

Liberty Precision Works 83

Lone Arrow 76

LRW Cutting Tools ............................. 79

LTM Plastics ......................................... 86

LV Swiss 90

Lynch Brothers 82,86,87

Magnum Prec. ..11,67.73-78,95

Makino ................................................... 73

MarZee ........................................ 20,85,91

MASIC Industries 48,91

Matrix Machine 82,83

Matsuura 73

Mesa Machinery .................................. 75

Metalcraft Inc. ...................................... 87

Metals Eng & Testing Labs 83

Methods Machine 37,74

Metzfab 23,90,91

Midaco Corp ........................................ 83

Milco ....................................................... 83

Mitutoyo 79

MLC CAD Systems 80

MPC Machines 88

Multi-Axis Machining ....................... 88

NAI Horizon......................................... 63

National Grinding & Mfg. 85

Nelson Engineering 45,84

New Mexico Metals ............................ 78

Newton Heat Treating Co............33,85

Nexus Manufacturing ...................49,86

NFP Property & Casualty 80

North-South .............................17,73-76

Northwest Machine LLC....................90

Osborn Products ............................83,85

P4 Swiss Lindel................................ 87,91

Paragon Machining & Design 89

Perfection Industrial Finishing 57,90

Perfection Industrial Sales................. 76

Performance Grinding & Mfg ..........91

PH Horn ................................................ 76

Phoenix Fab & Design 87

Phoenix Grinding 83

Phoenix Heat Treat ........................29,86

Pioneer Distributing Co. ................... 83

Platinum Registration ........................ 80

Powill Mfg 86

PPE Engineering 93

Praxis Precision.................................... 86

Precision Aerospace.............................91

Precision Die & Stamping........... 30,82

Productivity ...............25,73

PRO-TEK 83

Qualichem, Inc......................................77

Quality Improvement Consulting........81

Quality Measurement Services..............93

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Scan to learn more!

Crossword Answer Key: DOWN: 1. SMELTING, 2. PACKAGING, 4. DISTRIBUTION, 5. CASTING, 6. BILLET, 8. MACHINING, 9.HEATTREAT, 12. ORE ACROSS: 3. FORGING, 5. COATING, 7. INSPECTION, 10. CNC, 11. ASSEMBLY, 13. TOLERANCE, 14. ALLOY

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

New Mazak Phoenix Technical Center

Located at 2675 West Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ, the new Mazak Phoenix Technical Center is now officially open and providing service and support for manufacturers in the Phoenix area as well as throughout the Western United States. Shops will gain access to process and application engineering expertise, training, collaboration opportunities for project solution development and more.

Discover More With Mazak in Phoenix

For more information, contact Tony Harrod, Regional Manager, or visit our Mazak Phoenix Technical Center webpage.

• Email: tharrod@mazakcorp.com

• Phone: (480) 422-1744

Make a note to stop by this April as we host the Mazak Phoenix Technical Center Open House event. Stay tuned for more details.

Southwest Edition March 2026

YOUR MACHINE TOOL BANK AND MORE

WHY CHOOSE BANTERRA BANK

PRODUCT OFFERINGS

ARIZONA LOCATIONS

Editors Corner

Table of Contents:

Seeing The Future Clearly:

Comparator

Announcements & News

Calley Carpenter Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc.

A Mission-Driven Approach

SELECTION IN AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

Announcements & News Continued

Skill Up AZ Hosted Successful Employer Meet & Greet

Continuous Process Improvement

Announcements

& News Continued

Landmark Solutions Recognized by OMAX for Outstanding Sales Performance

Announcements & News Continued

About T.J. Davies

Success

Announcements & News Continued

Versatile COMBI Tooling Combines Multiple Machining Operations to Eliminate Tool Changes and Slash Cycle Time

Announcements

& News Continued

Announcements & News Continued

Landmark Solutions Promotes Christopher Roberts to Director of Sales

Morse Enhances Sales Team With New Hire

EMCO Corporation Opens State-of-the-Art Showroom to Enhance Customer Experience in North America

A Hub for Technology, Training, and Collaboration

Celebrating Partnerships Through Dealer Appreciation

Corporation’s extensive dealer network.

Local Presence, Global Expertise

A Destination for Manufacturing Innovation

ISO/AS9100 Services From Do-It-Yourself With Our Templates

To Full Consulting To Prepare You For Certification

You Have 3 Very Good Reasons To Call BMSC:

Announcements & News Continued

Announcements & News Continued

About The M. K. Morse Company

Understanding NFPA 660: What Metal Fabricators Need to Know

What’s Changed

Real-World Application

Precision Die & Stamping, Inc.

Announcements & News Continued

What You Should Do

NT-FLEX

Announcements & News Continued

About Methods Machine Tools

Heule

Announcements & News Continued

ARIZONA

MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP

Announcements & News Continued

THE STAR CUTTER FAMILY OF COMPANIES

Arizona Deburr Boasts Strong Quarter

Arizona: Major Manufacturing Facility Expansions Take Center Stage

Announcements & News

Consolidated Resources Inc.

Why it matters:

CUT TIME. NOT CORNERS

Announcements & News Continued

Valley Machine Works

Announcements & News Continued

Metalworking Activity Moves Into Expansion in Early 2026

Announcements & News Continued

U.S. Factory Sector Shows Signs of Expansion in Early 2026

U.S. Air Force Awards $7 B Contract Field Team (CFT) Support IDIQ

Announcements & News Continued

U.S.–Taiwan Trade Deal & Implications for Semiconductor Manufacturing

Seeing the Future Clearly: How Starrett Is Reimagining the Optical Comparator

A Legacy Built on Precision

A Modern Take on a Shop Floor Classic

Designed for the Real World

Shop Floor Ready

Familiar to Use, Easy to Learn

Optical Flexibility

The Price Point Sweet Spot

Backed by Real Support