Let’s face it, your best work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. To expand your manufacturing acumen and machining expertise, you need to step outside the four walls of your business and connect with other professionals in your field.
Axis Fabrication and Machine came to NTMA with this mindset, and the connections they’ve forged thus far have made all the difference.
The Goal: Machining-Focused Growth
Axis Fabrication has served the greater Knoxville area since 1989 and continues to expand their customer base across Tennessee. With a modern 45,000-square-foot facility and a strong reputation in welding, sheet metal, and fabrication services, Axis has consistently evolved to readily meet the needs of their customers. Their company has doubled in sales approximately every five years, and a big part of that success is their commitment to high-quality workmanship and continual investment in technology.
Still, as they expanded their machining services, Axis Fab realized they needed access to deeper machining expertise and more tailored resources. They were already involved in associations that catered to their fabrication work. But when it came to strengthening the machining side of their business—particularly as they began taking on aerospace work—they needed something more specific. That’s where NTMA came in.
The Outcome: Community, Partnership, and Knowledge
Axis Fab joined NTMA to connect with professionals who specialize in the complex world of machining. As part of our collaborative and tight-knit manufacturing network, they’ve gained far more than just access to machine shop resources; they’ve gained a true community of like-minded shop leaders.
Peer-to-Peer Learning Pays Off
One of the most impactful moments in their NTMA journey came when team members attended NTMA’s Engage conferences in Nashville and Phoenix. They came to the event with simple goals: learn something new and connect with individuals who understand the challenges and nuances of running a modern CNC machine shop.
Axis Fab is currently pursuing AS9100 and Nadcap aerospace certifications, and the team had a chance to chat with several NTMA members who had already walked that path. Through informal conversations over coffee or between sessions, Axis Fab was able to get honest insights about the time and cost investments needed for certification.
Those conversations have turned into ongoing peer relationships, where Axis continues to learn and exchange best practices. This kind of support is invaluable when navigating the complexities of how to run a machine shop with aerospace-level precision and compliance.
A Chance Connection Turns into a Long-Term Partnership
During the 2024 Engage conference in Nashville, Axis Fab’s Brian McCarter connected with their current marketing partner, an NTMA affiliate who happened to be at the event. What started as a casual conversation turned into a partnership that has helped Axis Fab improve their marketing efforts, so they can better communicate their capabilities to prospective customers and earn more business.
When it comes down to it, NTMA isn’t just a source of technical updates and machining news; it’s an outlet for connections to flourish.
A Wealth of Knowledge, Just a Few Clicks Away
Outside of in-person events, Axis Fab team members are also active on NTMA Connect, the association’s online community. They’ve used this digital forum to ask questions, share advice, and gain insight into everything from machining safety best practices to process improvement strategies. It’s just another example of how Axis Fab has leveraged their NTMA community to further build machining expertise and learn helpful new tricks of the trade.
The Power of Community in Machining
For Axis Fab, investing in the future of machining didn’t just mean buying new equipment or hiring more people. It meant tapping into a trusted network of peers, mentors, and resources who could help them navigate challenges with confidence. In today’s competitive market, that kind of support is priceless.
Are you looking to make meaningful connections with collaborative machine shops like Axis Fabrication and Machine? Discover how joining NTMA can help your business thrive!