Family-owned since Rus Smith founded it in 1976, Equipment Technology Inc. has grown into a custom machine builder and precision machining shop serving manufacturers nationwide. Smith’s sons, Glen and David, now lead engineering and sales, while the company’s patented compact-disc packaging systems and more than 400 machines reflect its long history of solving unusual production-line problems. ETI also maintains relationships with some of its earliest customers.
Carleton Helical TechnologiesSince 1979, family-owned Carleton Helical Technologies has designed and manufactured custom container-handling equipment for packaging lines, including its signature feedscrews and container inverting systems. The New Britain, Pennsylvania, company builds its systems in-house and has carried the Carleton family into a third generation, serving manufacturers across North America with equipment tailored to their containers and production lines. Its installed machinery now supports more than 78,000 production lines.NEW BRITAIN, PA
Churchmen’s Machine CompanyFamily-owned and operated since 1959, Churchmen’s Machine Company grew from a shop in a church basement into a precision manufacturer serving customers across the Wilmington region and beyond. Ed Hook purchased the business from his father in 2009, and his son Jered now helps manage the operation, keeping the company’s personal service and practical, careful workmanship in the family. From its 24,000-square-foot facility in North East, Maryland, Churchmen’s is known for CNC machining and fabrication work for specialized industrial customers.NORTH EAST, MD
Northwood Industries, IncStarted by Jim Miller in a Northwood, Ohio garage in 1968, Northwood Industries is a family-owned precision machining company that makes component parts and mechanical assemblies for manufacturers. Now led by second-generation owner Kurt Miller, the Perrysburg shop pairs experienced toolmakers with in-house engineering and operates from a 23,500-square-foot facility serving customers across North America, Europe and Asia. Long-standing customer relationships—including one dating to 1970—reflect a shop known for helping engineers refine designs as well as producing the finished parts.PERRYSBURG, OH
Wooten Machine CoFamily-owned since three brothers founded it in 1978, Wooten Machine Co. has spent more than 45 years building its Huntington, West Virginia, reputation on honest communication and lasting customer relationships. The shop is known for precision manufacturing tailored to customers’ specifications, including the one-off work its machinists handle day to day.HUNTINGTON, WV