Major Tool & Machine has spent 80 years perfecting the art of solving complex manufacturing problems
Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Major Tool & Machine Inc. (MTM), a Precinmac company, is a contract manufacturer with its roots in power generation. Now in its 80th year of business, its history is one of in-novation, evolution and transformation, and today it stands as a leading provider of manufacturing solutions designed to address customers’ most complex needs.
As Brandon Lee, Director of Manufacturing at MTM explains, the business has grown its expertise across multiple markets. “In addition to power generation, we now serve customers across aerospace, defense, semiconductor, nuclear, oil and gas, and national labs.” Also undertaking work for the national government, overall MTM supports mission-critical developmental and production programs where precision, reliability and security are non-negotiable.
Its specialty is building large assemblies to close tolerances from all varieties of special alloys. “We specialize in engineering services, which includes processing customer work into operations,” Brandon details. “On the operational side, we offer custom CNC machining, custom fabrication and welding, large format assembly and quality services.” MTM also provides non-destructive testing, painting and finishing services, and has a facility for clean room assembly for the semiconductor industry.
A key advantage for customers across the globe is MTM’s turnkey service, which sees it delivering fully finished components and assemblies, either new or re-manufactured. Brandon notes that many services are provided from its 650,000-square-foot, world-class manufacturing facility. “We can provide large fabrication services, as well as machining solutions right here on site. Being able to provide the full scope of ser-vices to our customers is what sets MTM apart.”
A recent building expansion has added further capabilities. “This is a little over a year old, and we are currently installing a Parpas XS AVIO 10M High Speed Gantry Mill. This will be our 5th Parpas XS 10M machine and will be complete in the summer of 2026.
“In another building we are preparing to install a Waldrich Coburg PowerTec 5500 AG. This is a large ma-chine tool and is going to give us a lot more very large machining capability. This installation is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2027.”
People centric
While making significant investments in technology, MTM still places people at the center of operations. In terms of automation solutions, Brandon notes that these allow increased capacity, but without the right skilled labor to develop and implement the automation, it cannot provide value. “We must have the right people in place to incorporate the automation into our processes. While we are looking for a lot of ways to automate to increase our capacity, we still need people to maximize the benefits the automation provides.
“We are also really exploring AI and how it can work alongside us to increase productivity,” adds Brandon. “There are activities within our business that take skilled people away from the tasks they’re best at. We are looking at ways that AI can complement what we’re already doing and allow us to be more efficient.”
Brandon expands on how MTM organizes its teams. “We divide our engineering staff into custom-er-focused teams, and each serves a group of customers in a particular industry. That allows our engineering staff to grow and develop relationships with our customers. We find that when customers are familiar with the person that they are communicating with it helps build customer loyalty and repeat business, which is very important to us.
“We really think of our customers as partners and we ask how we can work closely with them, to make their parts faster and more affordable while upholding the quality standards that are important to them. We take pride in working with the customer for design for manufacturability and feedback and look for ways that we can reduce costs and improve delivery.”
Problem solving and delivering design concepts is also a priority. “We often work with customers who come to us with a challenge, as many have very complex work. We love to solve problems and help our customers find the right solutions.”
Finding the staff that can adhere to MTM’s approach requires care and attention, as Brandon explains. “We employ a full-time HR Generalist, dedicated to recruiting and we target vocational high schools in the area. We also look for experienced employees that bring skill sets from previous jobs. We have an interview process that identifies individuals who will fit our culture well and that are trainable. We know what we can teach so that staff will become part of the MTM family.”
Brandon’s own career journey from engineer to Director of Manufacturing is a prime example of MTM’s overall approach to career progression. “Growth is available to all employees, regardless of how they come into the company,” he confirms. “Everyone has opportunities to grow and build their skill sets. As that happens, it creates new prospects to take on different work or explore new positions. Oftentimes it leads into leadership opportunities, where they’re able to lead others in tasks and roles that they once held.”
The combined approaches described by Brandon can be credited as integral to MTM’s longevity. “Continuing to grow and build our culture has allowed us to reach our 80-year anniversary this year,” Brandon agrees. “Our customers and employees are always our top priority and that commitment has allowed us to maintain our success for eight decades.”
Naturally the company is placing employees at the center of its anniversary celebrations. “In September we are planning an open house that will allow our employees to bring their families onto campus. There will be food and entertainment, and they’ll be able to show their families their work areas and give them tours of the facility,” says Brandon.
The open house reflects something deeper – a company that understands its greatest asset has always been its people and intends to keep it that way. Looking to the future, Brandon and his team will be maintaining MTM’s legacy while continuing to grow the business. “Plans are in place to invest in new equipment and ensure we have the right people in place to support our customers’ requirements,” Bran-don concludes. “We are always looking for opportunities for growth, and we try to think outside the box and get creative on not only how we can use what we already have, but what are opportunities to expand facilities. So, in the long term I expect we’ll have more square footage as well.”
As MTM enters its ninth decade, the combination of heritage, investment and people that has defined its first 80 years looks set to drive the next chapter of its story.
