About 2023 - Advance Turning

MISSION STATEMENT

To pursue continuous improvement through innovation, technology and people.

HISTORY
ABOUT US
COMMUNITY
CORE VALUES

1968—Working out of his home on Randolph St., John Macchia, Sr. begins supplying hand-machined parts to Aeroquip Corporation
1972—Incorporates as ”Precision Form Company” and moves to a dedicated building on Condad St.
1977—Annual sales top $1 million for the first time
1978—Baxter Healthcare joins growing roster of customers; Precision Form Company expands to new facility on Precision St.
1979—Name change to “Advance Turning & Manufacturing, Inc.”
1984—Purchases first piece of CNC equipment
1992—Forms advisory board to guide long-term planning
1992—Implements lean manufacturing principles and first manufacturing cells
1995—Builds current facility on Morrill St.
1997—John Macchia, Jr. becomes president and CEO

1999—Begins working with Stryker Corporation

2004—ATM earns ISO 9001:2000 certification; John Macchia, Sr. publishes Backstreet Lean: Solutions for the Job Shop

2005—Sales top $10 million for the first time

2006—Named one of the 10 Best Machine Shops in America by American Machinist Magazine

2008—Purchases local competitor Lee Blake, providing much needed additional capacity

2010—Earns AS9100 certification

2011—John Rappleye becomes president, John Macchia, Jr. transitions to CEO; sales exceed $20 million

2013—Releases first issue of the employee news magazine Advance Insider; implements new ERP system / ATM Business System

2014—Earns ISO 13485:2003 certification

2015—Expands to third facility through acquisition of Hytrol Manufacturing

2016—Relocate Hytrol Manufacturing to new facility in Westland, Michigan

2020—Acquired Scott Machine Inc.

2022 - Celebrates 50 years of business

2023 - Launches the Advance Turning & Manufacturing Machining Introductory Training Center and adds co-bot automation capabilities

2024 - Named Large Tier John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year by the Michigan Manufacturers Association

FOCUSED ON QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

We take pride in exceeding your expectations, and driving you to meet your goals. Our team consists of nearly 200 highly skilled and motivated employees operating out of facilities in Michigan’s Jackson and Wayne Counties. We currently have a combined manufacturing floor of approximately 120,000 square feet, and are expanding to grow with our customers. Over the last several decades we have steadily become one of the global leaders in complex and highly regulated fields, and the preferred supplier to partners like Baxter, Stryker, Eaton, Terumo, HeartWare, and Merit Medical..

WHAT SETS US APART FROM OTHER MACHINING SUPPLIERS

A focus on “lean” business practices: clean facilities, pragmatic strategic planning, cellular manufacturing and one-piece flow methodology
A defined Quality Management Systems with Process Validation
State-of-the-art ERP system for real-time manufacturing productivity monitoring and superior supply-chain management
Customer Focus Teams (CFTs)
Family owned and operated since 1972
AS9100D & ISO 9001:2015 certified, ISO 13485:2016 certified

Advance Turning & Manufacturing is dedicated to enriching the communities in which our employees live and work by supporting a variety of local non-profit organizations. We aim to maximize the impact of every dollar contributed to charity, with a special focus on improving the lives of underprivileged children, families, and seniors.

We are proud of our employees and their many contributions in our communities. We proudly support Big Brothers Big Sisters, The American Cancer Society Relay for Life and our schools, churches and other non-profits. For our company's and employees' support of United Way of Jackson County, Advance Turning has been recognized as a "Top 20 Supporter" and promoter of the common good of Jackson County.

To ensure equal opportunity for all organizations, requests are reviewed on an on-going basis and evaluated based on positive community impact. We’re eager to hear about new opportunities to give back to our community!

MESSAGE FROM
THE CEO

At Advance Turning & Manufacturing, our mission is to satisfy our customers by meeting all of their requirements for quality and on-time delivery. We do this by involving all employees as we strive for continuous improvement in the quality of everything we do.

Our quality and reputation speak for themselves—but our facilities speak volumes: Our people, and the pride that goes into every job they do, are the cornerstones of our success. Please feel free to contact us as we welcome and look forward to your questions and comments.

Sincerely,

John J. Macchia, CEO

JOHN MACCHIA, SR.

Founder & Chairman of the Board

I started Advance Turning & Manufacturing in 1972, a small machine shop with just a handful of employees. Today we have 200 workers on our team, and are a top supplier to the aerospace industry, while also producing precision machined parts for advanced medical equipment, the military, and others. From the start we grew this business by embracing Lean Manufacturing principles and management, with strategic planning that paid attention to both the large items (like budgeting and capital investment) and seemingly small details (such as job scheduling and incremental process improvement). In 1996 I assumed the role of ATM CEO while my son, John Macchia Jr., took on day-to-day operations as President. In 2004, having consulted on Lean Manufacturing principles and philosophies for more than two decades, I co-wrote Backstreet Lean: Solutions for the Job Shop (LINK). Although I officially retired in 2010, I continue to offer my business experience both to ATM (as an advisor and board member) and to a variety of public service organizations, including the Jackson United Way, John George Home, Jackson College, NCH North Naples Volunteer Services, the Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled Naples, FL, and others. I currently spend my summers in Michigan and winters down south, where I enjoy biking, fishing, and commercial piloting, spending time with my family, and volunteer service.

JOHN MACCHIA, JR.

Chief Executive Officer

I've spent my entire life around precision machining--our family business. I started my formal career with Advance Turning & Manufacturing in 1985 and I spent the next decade learning every part of the business, from machining and quality control on the shop floor to administration and accounting in the front office. A deep understanding of the entire business and close ties to the shop helped me continue to build on the company’s success when I took the helm as president in 1997. I've been a member of Jackson Area Manufacturers Association (JAMA), Jackson Career Center Advisory Board, Western School District Advisory Board, and continue to work with Western Schools. After a brief stint as both president and CEO of ATM in 2010, I now focus on guiding ATM's "big picture" strategic trajectory as CEO.

JOHN RAPPLEYE

President

I joined Advance Turning & Manufacturing in October of 2011, bringing extensive experience in manufacturing operations and business systems. Before that, I spent 23 years with Michigan Seat Company, now part of Jason Inc.'s Milsco division, where I held leadership roles like Vice President of Finance and Director of Operations. Working alongside a dedicated team, we implemented integrated business systems that supported the company’s growth as a global leader in the manufacture of seating for outdoor power equipment.

At Advance Turning, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to several key initiatives. Collaborating with others, we successfully implemented a robust ERP system to provide real-time project visibility for employees, customers, and suppliers. I’ve also worked to support employee-focused programs, such as mentorship initiatives, succession planning, and team-building efforts. Additionally, I’ve been involved in the acquisitions of Hytrol and Scott Machine. I also serve on the Company’s Board of Directors as well as the board of Trinity Holding and Livonia Tool. I’m also a member of Vistage, where I have the chance to collaborate with other industry leaders to share ideas and strategies.

Vice Presidents

JOE SORENSON

VP of Sales & Marketing

I began my journey with Advance Turning & Manufacturing in 1985, right after graduating from high school. Over the years, I’ve held various roles, including machinist, programmer, supervisor, manager, and now Vice President of Sales & Marketing, all while continuing my education. This combination of real-world industry experience and formal training has given me valuable insights into the critical role U.S. manufacturing plays in an ever-evolving global marketplace.

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Advance Turning’s substantial growth and proudly serve on our Board of Directors. Beyond Advance Turning, I have been a dedicated member of the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association Board of Directors since 2008. I am a strong advocate for programs like the Jackson Area Career Center and Shop Rat Foundation, which inspire and prepare our youth for rewarding careers in manufacturing.

KRISTIN FLICK

VP of Finance & Human Resources

I have been part of the Advance Turning & Manufacturing team since the summer of 2013, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in accounting and business operations. Before joining Advance Turning, I spent 20 years with Jackson Canvas Company and Michigan Seat Company, where I gained extensive expertise in accounting, customer support, and human resources.

At Advance Turning, I manage a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing accounting operations and contributing to human resources initiatives. I also play an active role in strategic planning and the implementation of our enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which has been instrumental in improving efficiency and driving growth.

I hold a degree in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and take pride in leveraging my diverse experience to support the success of our team, customers, and company.

SCOTT LAWSON

VP of Hytrol

I currently serve as the Vice President of Operations for Hytrol, where I focus on optimizing day-to-day operations with a hands-on approach, often working directly on the shop floor to drive efficiency and solve challenges. Before Hytrol’s acquisition by Advance Turning in 2016, I spent 12 years as President, leading the company through significant growth in sales, capabilities, and market expansion. My journey with Hytrol began in 1982, where I started from the ground up—sweeping floors, mopping, driving trucks, and working as a machinist—before advancing into management roles and eventually senior leadership.

Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to staying engaged with the team, fostering a collaborative environment, and driving operational excellence.

TOM DOBBIN

VP of Scott MAchine

I graduated from high school in 1978 and joined Scott Machine in February 1979. I received a degree in Arts and Applied Science from Jackson Community College (now knows as Jackson College). I continued my education and completed my machinist apprenticeship in the early 1980s. Over the course of my career, I have held many different roles including machinist, engineering/programming, supervisor, quoting and manager. For 16 years, I served as president of Scott Machine. Currently I am Vice President of Scott Machine working alongside our Advance Turning and Manufacturing leadership team.

BEN BRITTEN

VP of Manufacturing

I joined Advance turning in March of 2013 as a machine operator working on third shift. During the first several years on third shift I had the opportunity to run multiple machining cells and gain an understanding of what it takes to manufacture parts for the medical and aerospace industries. Due to Advance Turnings succession planning strategy, I was able to work my way into the third shift supervisor position. After several more years on third shift, I was moved to a first shift supervisor position. I worked as a first shift supervisor overseeing the manufacturing process of one of our implantable medical parts. In 2020 I was given the opportunity to move into the position of Manufacturing Manager overseeing the Morrill Rd facility. During my time as the Manufacturing Manager of Morrill Rd I was able to lead a fantastic team that primarily machined parts for the medical industry. This team consisted of approximately 60 people that includes Machine Operators, and Supervisors in a facility that works seven days a week. In 2024 I was promoted to VP of Manufacturing where I now oversee the manufacturing and production operations of all the facilities at Advance Turning & Manufacturing.

RON GOULD

VP of Engineering & Quality

Prior to joining Advance Turning & Manufacturing in January 2009, I was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. My time in the service was primarily overseas, working in and leading a work center for aircraft maintenance. During my time in work center leadership, we implemented Lean Six Sigma initiatives, which significantly reduced on-site inventory and brought a 70% reduction in complete rebuild turnaround. Throughout my career at Advance Turning, I have held several positions; Quality Engineer helping to implement the product part approval process, Quality Manager leading our headquarters quality team, and Engineering Manager leading our CNC Programming department across all facilities, focused on new product development and continuous improvement.