For today’s machine shop owners, success isn’t just about having the best equipment or the most skilled employees—it also requires a strong and trusted manufacturing network to help navigate whatever highs and lows come your way.
Ahaus Tool & Engineering is a testament to the importance of being part of a rich manufacturing community. Quite a lot has changed in the 78 years Ahaus has been in business, and even in the 52 years since they joined NTMA. But despite the technological leaps and bounds that have transformed our industry, one fact remains true: having an expansive network of like-minded individuals is powerful.
This month, the NTMA team chatted with Kevin Ahaus, President and fourth-generation leader of Ahaus Tool & Engineering, about the business’ long-standing membership in the NTMA, as well as the value Kevin has experienced through his active participation.
How Ahaus Tool & Engineering Participates in Our Manufacturing Network
Ahaus Tool & Engineering has been a dedicated member of the NTMA for decades, leveraging the association’s vast machine shop resources, leadership programs, and networking opportunities.
Support for Emerging Leaders
Kevin has been an active participant since the mid-90s, originally engaging through the Next Generation group. In the early stages of this group, about a dozen professionals in their 20s and 30s would gather immediately before or after a national conference to discuss takeaways, challenges, and success stories.
For Kevin, being there for the original meetings of this group was an extremely impactful experience. He’s been proud to watch it evolve into the successful Emerging Leaders program that is thriving today.
Valuable Events and Roundtables
One of the greatest benefits of NTMA membership, according to Kevin, is the ability to connect with other manufacturers facing similar challenges. Large-scale events like our annual Engage conference and local chapter meetings provide opportunities to:
- Discuss machine shop management strategies
- Gain insight into the latest machining news and industry trends
- Participate in shop tours to observe peers’ best practices in action
To Kevin, some of the best information he’s ever received has come from NTMA roundtables. Someone brings up a problem, and within minutes, multiple people offer solutions based on their own experiences—and these solutions can often be transformative.
Involvement That Goes Beyond Networking
Leadership Opportunities
Kevin has been deeply involved in NTMA’s workforce development initiatives for quite some time. About a decade ago, he was asked to chair the Workforce Development board, where he supported training and education programs as a team leader for years.
In addition, Kevin is currently in his fourth year with the Executive Committee, where he serves as a liaison to chapter executives and helps guide the association’s leadership initiatives. Kevin explains it best: “Being on the Executive Committee gives me a real appreciation for all the things that are going on at the NTMA leadership level.” Stepping up in this leadership position is Kevin’s way of giving back to the association that has been there for him during every stage of his career, from his early experiences with the Next Generation group to today.
Industry Advocacy
Kevin has been actively involved in NTMA’s government affairs initiatives for over 15 years, even participating in fly-ins to Washington, D.C., to support the lobbying for the small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies that make up NTMA.
Getting involved in NTMA’s advocacy program has also been critical to Kevin’s understanding of government regulations and policies that impact the industry. “I usually know about what’s going on with taxation before my accountants!” Kevin adds.
Benchmarking Reports
On the business side of things, Ahaus Tool & Engineering has benefited from NTMA’s wage and benchmarking surveys and executive compensation reports. According to Kevin, these surveys offer valuable insights into industry trends and how his business compares to peers—a huge value-add for the company and its employees alike.
The Bottom Line: There’s Strength in Numbers
“At first, my wife didn’t understand how I could consider people I see once or twice a year ‘friends.’” Kevin recalls. “But after she started attending events with me, she saw the genuine relationships I’ve built over the years.”
Thanks to today’s technological advances, it’s easier for Kevin (and other NTMA members) to stay connected than ever before. With countless friends made through NTMA readily accessible Kevin can call, text or email a peer at any time to seek guidance, chat through new policies, and share success stories.
There’s something powerful about having the support of hundreds of like-minded individuals, all facing the same challenges and focusing on the same goals. This support system has been invaluable to Kevin at Ahaus Tool & Engineering, and it’s been impactful to shops across the country.
Want to become part of a manufacturing network that supports your success? Join NTMA today!