For more than 40 years, UltraTech Aerospace has been an active member of NTMA. Over that time, the company has grown alongside the organization.
Through decades of collaboration and shared knowledge within the NTMA community, UltraTech Aerospace has expanded its network and positioned itself for sustained success in the aerospace and defense sectors.
We caught up with Fred Stipkovits, President of UltraTech Aerospace, about some of the wins the company has experienced through their active membership and involvement in NTMA.
UltraTech Aerospace’s Involvement in the Kansas City Manufacturing Community
UltraTech Aerospace has had deep roots in the Kansas City chapter of NTMA (KCNTMA) for quite some time.
After years of involvement, in 2024, Fred began serving on the board, and in 2025, he was elected chapter president. Currently, Fred serves as past president and trustee, fulfilling his three-year term on the board. Fred and other members of KCNTMA believe that this leadership structure, with rotations every three years, keeps the chapter fresh and forward-thinking.
Industry partners, not competitors
One of the defining characteristics of the Kansas City NTMA chapter is its collaborative approach. As Fred puts it, manufacturers are stronger together. Rather than competing for every opportunity, members actively work together, inviting each other into their shops for tours and sharing insights that have helped their business thrive.
This welcoming and collaborative mindset has contributed to significant growth within the chapter; KCNTMA added 16 new member shops in 2025 alone.
“[KCNTMA] is one of the best industry organizations I’ve belonged to in my 20+ years in manufacturing,” Fred explains.
Strategic Partners Can Increase Throughput
UltraTech Aerospace is a highly specialized operation, offering 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining along with Nadcap-certified welding services. As a defense contractor, the company also meets rigorous standards, including ITAR, CMMC, and ISO compliance.
Rather than limiting opportunities to what they can do in-house, UltraTech Aerospace takes a different approach: they say yes to jobs, even when they require capabilities that don’t take place within their four walls. That’s where their local NTMA community comes into play.
Leveraging the NTMA network
Through NTMA connections, particularly between members of the Kansas City and St. Louis chapters, UltraTech Aerospace has found expert partner shops to collaborate with on full assemblies. That way, they can machine critical components in-house while outsourcing processes that other shops specialize in, such as press brake work and finishing services.
This strategy has allowed UltraTech Aerospace to:
- Increase throughput by 15-20%
- Expand capacity without major capital investment
These partnerships also create opportunities for other shops to participate in aerospace and defense work without needing to invest in the costly certifications that often create a barrier to entry.
Manufacturing Advocacy Connects Policy to the Shop Floor
UltraTech Aerospace’s involvement with NTMA extends beyond learning and networking. Fred recently traveled to Washington, D.C. with OneVoice to advocate on behalf of manufacturers. Alongside a handful of other NTMA members, Fred raised concerns about the impact of tariffs on manufacturing businesses and the importance of continued funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs).
The goal of NTMA’s advocacy program is to help legislators understand how policy decisions affect real-world manufacturing operations. For companies like UltraTech Aerospace, this kind of work ensures their voices are heard at the national level.
Access to Trusted Resources
Beyond peer connections, NTMA provides access to a wide range of vetted partners and suppliers, according to Fred. This includes trusted relationships with companies like Grainger and PTSolutions, along with other national associate members.
With this “Rolodex” of reliable resources, NTMA members can make smarter decisions across the business, whether it entails tooling partners or software solutions.
“We’re Stronger Together”
Let’s face it: The shops that succeed won’t be the ones going it alone. They will be the ones building strong networks and growing together.
UltraTech Aerospace’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when manufacturers embrace collaboration. If their story resonates with you, don’t hesitate to explore the benefits of membership!