As vice president of Kuhn Tool & Die Co., Bonnie Kuhn exemplifies the resilience and dedication required to succeed in today’s machine shop environment. With 62 years of history and three generations of leadership, Kuhn Tool & Die, based in Meadville, Pennsylvania, remains a successful, family-owned business. And for Bonnie and her family, their partnership with NTMA has been instrumental in their growth and evolution.
Bonnie’s commitment and loyalty to her local and nationwide manufacturing network ultimately led Bonnie to become the first woman to be elected chairperson of NTMA’s Executive Committee!
Let’s explore how Bonnie’s leadership and her connection to NTMA can provide valuable lessons for other manufacturers looking to improve their business and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
Family Comes First: At Home, at Work, and with NTMA
Founded in 1963, Kuhn Tool & Die started as a family-owned operation and has grown into a thriving modern manufacturing facility. Bonnie and her husband, Ken, represent the second generation of leadership, and their sons have recently joined as partners, marking the beginning of the company’s third generation.
For Bonnie, family is at the heart of everything they do. “Family is very important, whether it’s my NTMA family, our employee family at Kuhn Tool & Die, or my actual family,” she shared. This philosophy of inclusivity and community has shaped the company’s culture and commitment to its people. Events like their annual Blue Collar Bash—featuring live music, food, and an American-made auction—build camaraderie and honor their team members.
Leveraging NTMA’s Manufacturing Network for Growth and Learning
Kuhn Tool & Die joined NTMA in 1991, but attending their first NTMA conference in Cancun, Mexico, in 1993 was the turning point. Though they were tempted to relax poolside with a cold beverage, Bonnie and Ken prioritized the conference sessions and discovered the immense value of engaging with the NTMA community. (Rest assured, they were able to unwind and enjoy Cancun’s vibrant nightlife after the event’s sessions!)
Through NTMA, Bonnie and her team have gained exposure to national trends, best practices, and actionable strategies for how to run a machine shop. “We don’t feel alone,” Bonnie explained. “Other companies have the same needs and challenges, and it’s so helpful to hear how they’re navigating them.”
One of the most valuable lessons came from a late NTMA member, Mike Mittler, who emphasized the importance of taking home a “golden nugget” of insight from every meeting. These nuggets have helped Kuhn Tool & Die tackle common challenges such as healthcare costs, employee management, and other strategies necessary to running a successful manufacturing business.
Beyond Meadville: Building a National Manufacturing Network
While Meadville is a manufacturing hub that makes up an extremely active local chapter, national conferences have allowed Bonnie and Ken to connect with peers outside their Northeast bubble. Chatting with folks from other parts of the country and hearing their unique challenges has broadened their perspectives.
NTMA also provides machine shop resources and insights into ways to improve manufacturing productivity and efficiency. For companies like Kuhn Tool & Die, these tools have been critical in staying competitive and evolving with industry demands.
Breaking Barriers: Bonnie’s Leadership in NTMA
In 2019, Bonnie joined NTMA’s Executive Committee and took on strategic initiatives for the organization. Never imagining that she would become chairperson, she embraced the role when her peers nominated her, becoming the first woman to lead the 81-year-old organization.
“Being the first woman is a lot of pressure, but it’s also a huge honor,” Bonnie said. Here at NTMA, we’re confident that Bonnie will lead the organization to new heights!
Looking for Your “Golden Nugget”? Join NTMA!
Whether you’re looking to increase production, improve efficiency, or connect with industry peers, NTMA offers a wealth of resources to help. As Bonnie puts it, “NTMA is more than just a network—it’s a family.” With leaders like her driving the organization forward, the future of NTMA is in capable hands.
Join NTMA to find the “golden nugget” you’ve been looking for!