Since 1977, J&F Machine Inc. has won loyal customers with its unwavering commitment to top quality, on-time delivery, and fair pricing.
Micheline Varnum, president and co-owner of J&F Machine, recently shared how NTMA has impacted her, her team, and the modern CNC machine shop her family built from the ground up.
J&F Machine: A Family Business with Nationwide Impact
J&F Machine Inc. is a Cypress, California-based company providing machined parts to commercial, government, and aerospace customers from its 11,000-square-foot facility.
What began as a small, family-owned job shop has evolved significantly. J&F Machine incorporated CNC technology, invested in state-of-the-art equipment and processes, and obtained AS9100D certification. Under the co-ownership of Micheline and her husband Rick, the shop produces control valves, fuel valves, air valves, bodies, housings, and micro-turbine parts.
J&F Machine’s NTMA Journey
“My father-in-law was a member of NTMA many years ago when it was predominantly male-oriented,” explains Micheline. Financial constraints forced the company to step away from its NTMA membership for a time, but the break didn’t last.
“About 10 or 15 years ago, I participated in a mock interview at a training school,” says Micheline. “That experience reignited my passion for promoting the manufacturing industry and bridging the gap in education.”
Before long, Micheline had been invited to join the NTMA board, where she eventually served as secretary and vice president. At the start of 2023, she became president of the Los Angeles NTMA Chapter, further establishing J&F Machine as a leading US-based modern CNC machine shop.
Stand-Out Benefits of NTMA Membership
When asked what she values about her shop’s NTMA membership, Micheline immediately points to networking and camaraderie.
“I’ve had the opportunity to connect with dynamic individuals on the board, fostering valuable relationships,” she shares. “For example, we formed a partnership with a smaller bank that reached out to us through NTMA, which led to favorable financing opportunities.”
J&F Machine also utilizes the many NTMA perks, such as members-only discounts with suppliers like Grainger. “Additionally, we’ve gained valuable insights through facility tours that have helped our business grow and improve,” Micheline reveals.
Three additional benefits stand out for Micheline and her J&F Machine team—advantages the company would never have accessed without its NTMA membership.
1. Benefits and insurance through NTMA
In the current competitive job marketplace, employee benefits are key to attracting top talent. J&F Machine takes full advantage of the insurance programs available through its NTMA membership. “PMIS provides competitive rates on workers’ compensation and general liability insurance,” explains Micheline, “and they’ve been responsive when handling any claims we’ve had.”
2. Education and edification with NTMA
As the 2023 president of the Los Angeles NTMA Chapter, Micheline is heavily involved in her local manufacturing community. Micheline also, however, attends regional NTMA meet-ups where she connects with manufacturing professionals from different parts of the US and learns how other industry leaders are developing their businesses.
Additionally, she takes advantage of the facility tours organized by NTMA, which she deems “relevant and interesting experiences,” explaining, “I recently visited a machine shop in Arizona and gained valuable insights. NTMA is always organizing diverse activities, and we’re currently planning a tour at Relativity Space,” makers of the first 85% 3D printed methane-fueled rocket in the West to reach space.
“The wide variety of activities keeps members engaged and informed,” says Micheline.
3. Collaboration and community with NTMA
Above all, the J&F Machine president values the broad, diverse community she’s developed thanks to her shop’s NTMA membership and active participation.
“The ability to pick up the phone and seek advice or collaborate with peers is extremely beneficial,” raves Micheline. “Participating in roundtable discussions and events facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices, ultimately improving each other’s businesses.”
From conferences to webinars to the NTMA Connect online community, modern CNC machine shops have numerous ways to build a powerful industry network of innovators and influencers with NTMA on their side.
Manufacturers Like J&F Machine Inc. Grow Stronger with NTMA
“The networking and relationships formed through NTMA are invaluable!” — Micheline Varnum
Become part of the National Tooling & Machining Association by joining today!
