Hibshman Screw Machine Products (HSMP, Inc.) sits just north of the Indiana border in Union, Michigan, a one-hour drive from the state’s namesake lake. The 60,000-square-foot turning shop welcomes short and long-run products ranging from 100 to 1,000,000 pieces.
President and second-generation manufacturer Chad Vanderbeek recently spoke with us about NTMA’s role in his 58-year-old company’s continued success.
Hibshman Screw Machine Products: Making a Mark Worldwide
ISO 9001:2015 certified and boasting a 99.9% manufacturing efficiency rating for their near-flawless on-time delivery, Hibshman Screw Machine Products is the very definition of a modern CNC machine shop.
In 1967, farmer Mike Hibshman filled an empty pole barn with screw machines and officially founded Hibshman Screw Machine Products. His “side hustle” grew until, in 1983, he partnered with a customer, a steel salesman named Gary Vanderbeek, who helped facilitate the acquisition of a second screw machine shop.
The pair consolidated the two companies near Mike’s farm, at the Union, Michigan, location where the shop still stands today—though it’s unrecognizable from its 80s era. The business partners and close friends expanded their operation four times before Mike passed away in 2014, leaving Gary as the sole owner.
Today, Gary’s son serves as president of HSMP, Inc. “I’ve been here since I was about two feet tall,” Chad says, laughing, “but I officially joined the sales team in 2005, and I became president in 2019.”
It was Chad who introduced Swiss machines to the shop, an exciting addition to the screw machine lineup that enhanced the company’s precision capabilities. “About 55% of our business is contract manufacturing,” he calculates, “and the other 45% is our proprietary product line of gas spring brackets and ball studs for the marine and truck equipment supply aftermarket. My dad and Mike launched this line in 1989 with only two customers, and today, we sell to a global market!”
Hibshman Screw Machine Products and NTMA
“Just like every modern CNC machine shop, we have problems and challenges to figure out,” Chad explains, “but for over 15 years, I always thought I was all alone in this business.” His search for like-minded manufacturers led him to NTMA.
“Once our four kids all started going to school, my wife took over my gigantic to-do list,” Chad says gratefully. “She got us signed up with NTMA, and it’s been a great opportunity for us!”
3 Advantages of NTMA Membership for HSMP, Inc.
Chad Vanderbeek’s leadership style shines through one deeply held belief: “It’s good to be curious,” he says. “Curiosity always leads you in the right direction, so if you’re curious about something, you should take action.”
1. Implementing EBITDA Growth Systems and Pro Shop
“Since joining NTMA, we’ve completely shifted how we operate,” says Chad. “Our biggest operating changes are EBITDA Growth Systems and ProShop.”
EBITDA Growth Systems provides coaching, training, and business services for manufacturing industry customers. Their money-back guarantee promises that companies that follow their approach will double their valuation in three years. NTMA members receive discounted coaching sessions plus quarterly training program opportunities.
ProShop’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) software helps machine shops increase manufacturing efficiency. By improving a manufacturer’s process execution, ProShop drives dramatic labor and cost savings so shops can scale and grow.
“We rely heavily on both EBITDA Growth Systems and ProShop,” Chad says. “They’re really transforming the way we operate—and it’s other NTMA members who pointed me in their direction.”
2. Collaborating with like-minded manufacturers
NTMA is known for its high-impact conferences, but Chad says that his friendships with others in machine shop management transcend the association’s scheduled events.
“Just last week, I reached out to somebody about packaging requirements. Before NTMA, I would have just tried to figure out a solution or put the issue on the back burner. Now, I have people I can go to. I can send a quick text: ‘Hey, I had a customer complain because our packaging wasn’t correct, but it wasn’t a requirement—they never spelled it out. How do you guys handle your packaging?’ And they gave me a quick, easy answer that I never would have had without NTMA. I’m able to lean on other shop owners to point me in the right direction.”
Along with attending local NTMA Michiana Chapter meetings, the Hibshman Screw Machine Products team also attends every national NTMA conference, and Chad recently joined NTMA’s Nominating Committee.
3. Participating in NTMA’s Emerging Leaders program
Chad’s machine shop management team includes Daniel and Matt, two skilled manufacturing professionals who completed NTMA’s first Emerging Leaders cohort and have advanced to 2024’s Cohort II program.
“Emerging Leaders has been a big part of our growth over the last 12 months,” Chad shares. “It opened [Daniel and Matt’s] eyes to how to run a business. Because of everything they’ve learned through Emerging Leaders, both guys have been promoted and now play an integral part in our production process. Seeing them grow in leadership development and confidence has been amazing.”
Furthermore, Daniel and Matt benefit from NTMA’s networking opportunities—even beyond their Emerging Leaders community. “They’re making connections and gaining so much for their personal career growth,” Chad says. “It’s exciting to see them experiencing so many ‘Aha!’ moments.”
Manufacturers Like HSMP, Inc. Evolve with NTMA
“NTMA has been a great experience for us, and I’m glad that we took that leap!” – Chad Vanderbeek
“The NTMA community is so open and supportive. Everyone is always sharing knowledge and experience. Membership has been very beneficial for us!” – Chad Vanderbeek
Become part of the National Tooling & Machining Association by joining today!
