Aerospace

Many of Western Massachusetts'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 aerospace and defense 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 aerospace and 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 defense 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 Mfg. Co., Inc. is a 50 year old registered AS9100/ISO9001-2000 company with over 200 employees. They are leaders in precision machining specializing in highly critical, close tolerance work for aerospace, defense, and power generation industries. In-house special processes include make to print assemblies, navy certified welding and stress relieving, as well as level II MPI, FPI & LPI services.

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 and ISO9001. Their metal joining expertise includes many types of welding (GTAW, GMAW, Micro-Welding, Resistance welding), and brazing on common and specialty metals.

A.J. Precision is a high precision machine shop serving the aerospace, defense, and commercial industries. They provide CNC Turning, as well as some CNC Milling, and can accommodate both small lots and larger production runs. They are very familiar in working with some of today's more challenging alloys. AJPrecision@verizon.net

Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing, Inc. is a full-service precision manufacturing company doing work in aerospace, nuclear, power generation, defense, gun, and commercial industries. They have been doing machined parts and assemblies for 35 years. Ed@Benfranklindesign.com

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.

Boulevard Machine & Gear is a high-precision, AS9100 and ISO9001 certified, machine and gear shop, serving aerospace and commercial industries. They provide CNC Lathe and Milling along with traditional manual machining and gear/spline cutting. Additional capabilities include grinding, rack cutting, honing, broaching, stamping, and assembly.

C & G Machine Tool Company is a high-precision machine shop serving the commercial and defense industries. They provide turning (CNC, manual, and live tooling), milling (CNC, manual, vertical, and horizontal), and assembly, as well as complete project management. Their Quality Control conforms with Mil-Std-45208 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1. Major customers include Emhart Glass, Millitech, Cooper/Crouse-Hinds, A.W. Chesterton, and Teledyne Continental Motors. C & G is proficient and tooled for both small and large lot sizes including providing for any necessary outside services. Omer-candgmachine@comcast.net

Hayden Corporation provides a wide selection of thermal spray coating, hardfacing, and laser cladding services. Their machining capability enables them to prepare and finish grind most customer supplied parts requiring coating services. A full-service metallurgical laboratory, and an experienced engineering staff assures quality service, and on time delivery.

Hoppe Technologies, Inc. is engaged in supplying precision mechanical components, and assemblies to the major defense contractors, commercial manufacturers, and aircraft engine builders. The 70 year old company has 35 state-of-the-art CNC machines, most of which include complete automation for lights-out lean operation.

Peerless Precision, Inc. is a full service, one-stop high precision AS9100 and ISO9001 certified machine shop. Under one roof, the company provides grinding (JIG, ID, OD), assembly, lapping (round and flat), turning (CNC and manual), and milling (4 & 5-Axis CNC and manual), as well as complete project management. Although PPI primarily machines aluminum and steel, it also machines ferrous and non-ferrous metals, carbide, ceramic and engineered plastics.

Industry Resources
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.