March 4, 2025
“All companies are fighting the gravity of decline; the real challenge is if we can move forward at a pace that outperforms this inevitable force.” This idea fuels our journey at Production Tool, and it’s the essence behind our new blog series. Here, we chronicle our transformation from a legacy machine shop into a cutting-edge aerospace supplier.
Founded in 1959, Production Tool set the standard for precision machining. For decades, many of our members dedicated over 50 years to perfecting their craft. That deep-rooted loyalty, however, bred complacency and an outdated mindset. As Andy Grove warned, “Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure.”
Our greatest challenge was cultural transformation. For 5 years, we put in the work to uproot the comfort of old habits and begin instilling a mindset that questions every assumption and refines every detail. Augmenting staff, upscaling team members and setting a new paradigm for quality were our sole focus while beginning to meet the stringent demands of aerospace and implement modern quality controls. As W. Edwards Deming said, “Quality is everyone’s responsibility.” We live by that mantra, ensuring every team member contributes to our pursuit of excellence.
In 2017, new ownership took the helm and recognized early on that to regain the competitive edge, change wasn’t optional—it was essential. We didn’t simply acquire a company; we embraced its storied legacy and injected modern technology along with a bold aerospace vision. Our mission became clear in the transition from legacy job shop to reliable aerospace supplier: reinvent every process and embed uncompromising quality into everything we do.
This blog is our open journal—a candid look at our missteps, lessons learned, and victories along the way. We aren’t afraid to acknowledge our failures; instead, we see them as opportunities to learn and improve. Our journey is not just about cutting metal; it’s about breaking free from the inertia of old ways and embracing a future where growth outpaces failure.
Join us as we share our story of relentless change and quality improvement. Witness our transformation as we strive to become a better company every day.
