Running a successful machine shop takes more than advanced equipment and skilled machinists. It requires access to the right information and connections to continuously improve operations and stay competitive. For Tomak Precision, long-term involvement with NTMA has played a critical role in shaping the company’s approach to machine shop management and growth.
Our team caught up with AJ Schaeper, General Manager of Tomak Precision, to discuss how the company’s NTMA membership supports their goals. Additionally, we talked through the importance of building connections and casting a wider net within the national manufacturing community. Here are some of the highlights from this conversation:
Building a Stronger Manufacturing Network
As an individual, AJ has been attending our annual Engage conference for over 25 years. Whether he’s traveling to Detroit or Nashville or Las Vegas (where this year’s conference will be!), AJ uses his experiences at Engage to stay informed and build relationships with shop leaders from across the country.
AJ understands that the connections he forms while attending conferences don’t end after the few days are up; these relationships become year-round assets. When challenges arise, AJ knows he’s not navigating them alone. He has a community of like-minded individuals he can reach out to when he needs advice or support.
As he puts it, being involved helps you recognize that “you are not alone on an island. You are part of a collective group.”
Strategic growth through networking
More than a decade ago, Tomak Precision attended an Engage conference while actively exploring a shift into the medical manufacturing space. One critical requirement was securing reliable EDM sourcing, an area where internal capabilities were limited.
At the conference, AJ connected with Harry Moser, a dear friend of ours at NTMA and the American chairman for AgieCharmilles at the time. Through that conversation, a potential opportunity surfaced in the Cincinnati area. Nothing happened immediately, but that connection mattered one year later when that EDM-focused business was ready to sell and Tomak Precision was top of mind. This resulted in a strategic acquisition that supported Tomak Precision’s transition into medical manufacturing.
This is a clear example of how networking through NTMA’s wide-reaching community can directly support long-term growth.
Using Data to Make Smarter Decisions
Tomak Precision actively participates in NTMA’s financial and wage surveys to benchmark performance and guide goal setting. Reviewing these results allows the company to evaluate how they compare across the industry and identify opportunities to improve their manufacturing processes.
One key objective involves analyzing the high-profit category of these surveys. By using survey data as a reference point, Tomak Precision can align their internal goals with broader industry performance.
Wage surveys and employee retention
Tomak Precision also uses wage surveys annually to ensure compensation remains competitive within the market. And the results speak for themselves. In 2025, Tomak Precision reported a 6% employee turnover rate, an exceptional number for our industry.
Advice from Tomak Precision: Vulnerability Leads to Growth
For new or prospective members, AJ emphasizes that participation is key. It can be anxiety-inducing putting yourself out there, especially for first-time conference attendees and new members, but it’s worth the effort.
Problems may not be identical across shops, but they’re often very similar. Talking through those challenges with peers who understand the realities of a modern CNC machine shop can lead to new ideas and developments.
For Tomak Precision, involvement has proven that forming connections and leveraging data are key to running a strong, resilient machine shop.
Not a member yet? Get in touch with our team to learn more about what NTMA membership can do for your business!