Many of Western Massachusett's precision manufacturing companies are contracted suppliers of precision mechanical components and sub-assemblies to major commercial manufacturers, aircraft engine builders, and military equipment contractors across the United States and internationally.

These companies, led by the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association (WMNTMA) perform highly critical, close tolerance work for the industry, using the latest technology, in machine tooling, processing capabilities, CNC machining, modeling and electronic data transfer of design.

As a regional cluster of defense and aerospace manufacturers, these companies are committed to maintaining and rebuilding the military's readiness and capability, while remaining poised to respond to surges in demand, by leveraging innovative technologies, large production capabilities, and a flexible work force.

Cost effective manufacturing solutions, a dedication to precision part and component quality, a committment to shorter lead times and competitive pricing all keep the region's defense manufacturing cluster a major player within the industry nation-wide. As value-added suppliers of precision, time-sensitive parts and sub-assemblies, this group maintains rigid quality standards at all phases of the manufacturing process.

Known as a "high technology precision manufacturing hot spot," Western Massachusetts boasts a large number of defese and aerospace contracted manufacturers that strive to conduct their business fairly, securely, ethically and transparently. Through organizations such as the WMNTMA, they are committed to leveraging their assets and capabilities to develop new collaborative business partnerships while supporting the growth and vitality of the industry.

Aerospace and Defense Industry Manufacturers

Advance Manufacturing is a leader in precision machining specializing in highly critical, close tolerance work for the aerospace, defense, semi-conductor and power generation industries.

Berkshire Industries is a fully certified provider of highly engineered, machined parts for the Aerospace and Defense Industries. Working with a range of aerospace materials, Berkshire's 200 employees specialize in concurrent engineering with the world's aerospace and defense leaders offering 100,000 sq.ft of manufacturing space, Siemens/Unigraphics engineering platform, and over 40, 5-10 axis multi-tasking machining centers.

B&E Group, LLC manufactures complex precision machined parts, components and assemblies in support of the Airframe, Turbine Engine, Fuel System, Accessory Component, Missile Defense, Space Exploration and Military programs. B&E also develops repairs, and conducts testing for airline engine fuel controls and pumps.

Hoppe Tool, Inc. is primarily engaged in supplying precision mechanical components and assemblies to major commercial manufacturers, aircraft engine builders, and military equipment contractors in the United States and internationally.

O-A, Inc. manufactures precision machined components and assemblies for a wide variety of aerospace applications. The company houses 21 pieces of CNC equipment for four axis milling and turning, plus additional conventional machines for milling, turning, grinding, and flat lapping.

Peerless Precision, Inc. is a high precision, AS9100 and ISO9001 certified, machine shop serving the Aerospace, High Technology, and Defense industries. PPI provides grinding (JIG, ID, OD), assembly, lapping (round & flat), turning (CNC & manual), milling (4 & 5-Axis CNC & manual) as well as complete project management. PPI primarily machines aluminum and steel, as well as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, carbide, ceramic, and engineered plastics.

Techni-Products, Inc. is a world class leader in high technology manufacturing, specializing in CNC 5-Axis FPM production machining, CATIA design and engineering, and SLS Rapid Prototyping services for customers in the aerospace, defense and medical industries.   ISO9000 Certified.  

Tell Tool, Inc. uses state of the art technology in machine tools, processing capabilities with five axis CNC machining, and the most advanced modeling and electronic data transfer of design, manufacturing and administration of requirements to manufacture aircraft and spacecraft parts. Tell Tool specializes in the machining of complex prismatic shapes from castings, forgings and wrought material.

WGI, Inc. is a Massachusetts based supplier with over 60 years of experience supplying ultra-high precision parts and assemblies for aerospace, industrial, military, medical, and overhaul and repair applications. WGI conducts business in over 40 countries, and has a reputation for unparalleled quality.

Mechanical Drive Components, Inc. is a production CNC machine shop featuring engineering and design services, CNC turning and machining capabilities, as well as finished part assembly.  Added capability includes producing mechanical drive surfaces such as OD splines, turned polygons, and face gears.

Advance Welding offers the highest quality in welding, brazing and fabricating services to the medical, military and defense, aerospace, and power generation industries. Advance Welding is accredited with merit to the requirements of Nadcap for Fusion Welding, Resistance Welding (Spot) and Brazing (Torch and Induction), and their quality system is approved to AS9100: 2004 and ISO 9001: 2000. 

Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing, Inc. is a full service precision manufacturing company doing work in the aerospace, nuclear, power generation, defense, gun and commercial industries.

Central Mass. Machine, Inc., an ISO 9001:2000 machine shop, specializes in the precision machining of Large Parts, for the defense, power generating, aircraft, nuclear, photovoltaic, medical devices and commercial machinery industries. Central Mass. lifts to 30,000 lbs, and has CNC full 5-axis milling; VTL's, Lathes and Planers in very large capacities.

Industry Resources

Materials and Manufacturing Technology Network- Led by the Regional Technology Corporation (RTC), this group brings together companies and academic institutions with areas of common interest including manufacturing, environmental and technology commercialization issues. The main goal of uniting these 50 members (companies and individuals) is to increase business opportunities and competitiveness by promoting complementary resources and shared technologies.

The Western Massachusetts Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association is a formal alliance of more than 60 member companies, united to promote the precision machining industry, provide critical business intelligence to members. This group's main focuses are in public policy as well as the development of education, workforce, industry and membership.

Western Massachusetts public schools offer a Machine Tool Technology Program for high school students in five districts. Upon completion, the students have obtained the skills required to set-up and operate manual and CNC equipment, interpret engineering drawings, and perform quality inspection processes.

Westfield Public School District Technology Program

Holyoke Public School District Technology Program

Pathfinder Regional Vocational-Technical High School Program 

Chicopee Public School District Technology Program

Northampton Public School District Technology Program

Asnuntuck and Springfield Technical Community Colleges offer Manufacturing Technology (Asnuntuck) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (STCC) Associate degree and Certificate programs that prepare students for a myriad of careers in precision manufacturing. 

For more information contact Mike Graney at (413) 755-1300

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