Founded in 1973 by aerospace engineer Al Sommer, family-owned Del West makes precision mechanical components and systems from advanced materials, with a particular reputation for engine valvetrains used in Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP and endurance racing. The company now operates four production sites across the United States and Switzerland, applying its racing know-how to high-performance vehicles, Swiss watch cases and components, and aerospace applications. Del West employs almost 300 people and remains under family leadership, with Mark Sommer taking over group management in 2021.
GT TechnologiesSince 1975, GT Technologies has designed and manufactured high-precision valvetrain systems, machined components and stamped assemblies for performance-critical engine applications. The company is known for creating stamped roller finger followers that have become standard across the industry, and its Westland Technical Center supports product design, analysis, prototyping and testing with a team of 25 engineers. GT Technologies operates five U.S. locations with more than 500 employees and holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016 certifications across its facilities.TOLEDO, OH
Harland SharpBorn from a Northeastern Ohio tool-and-die maker’s response to failing stock rocker arms in the 1950s, Harland Sharp manufactures aluminum roller-tip rocker arms and other valvetrain parts for racing engines. Still family-owned and operated, the Strongsville company makes every part in the USA, hand-inspects each rocker before shipment, and offers a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects. The business is now carried into its third generation while remaining focused exclusively on rocker-arm development and production.STRONGSVILLE, OH
Vallorbs Jewel CompanyVallorbs Jewel Company grew from jeweled watch bearings into a precision machining company serving demanding applications in nuclear power, medicine, aircraft, and other industries. Founded by F. W. “Fritz” Steudler after he learned the trade from his father, the Bird-In-Hand manufacturer has specialized in Swiss screw and CNC machining for more than 70 years, including critical medical components since the 1980s and nuclear end plugs since the 1970s. Vallorbs is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is the only three-time recipient of the Westinghouse Supplier Excellence Award.BIRD-IN-HAND, PA
Sunset Industries, IncFamily-owned and operated in Mentor, Sunset Industries makes precision-machined components for aerospace and industrial customers. Now led by second- and third-generation family members, the company has more than six decades of manufacturing experience, 22 CNC machine tools, and a focus on complex aerospace work that represents about 80% of its output. Its quality processes are certified to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D, and customers have recognized Sunset as a certified supplier.MENTOR, OH