Started in 1980 in founder Paul Fronhofer’s basement, Fronhofer Tool Company now operates three Argyle, New York shops that machine and fabricate parts ranging from small locking pins to 100,000-pound assemblies. The third-generation Fronhofer business works from a 60,000-square-foot facility with about 35 employees, and is particularly equipped for large-scale turning, milling and fabrication. Its work has included pulp-and-paper machinery, craft-brewing systems and unusual projects such as amusement-park equipment and a 150-ton steel cradle.
Sharp Tooling CompanyBorn in a 20-by-20 Buffalo garage in 1959 as Niagara Punch and Die, Sharp Tooling Company now makes customized tooling and close-tolerance machined parts for manufacturers across Western New York and around the world. The company remains a family-run machine shop, with third-generation machinist Jayson Czerniak leading the business after his grandfather founded it and his father Jay expanded it. Its in-house inspection and reverse-engineering work help customers refine existing parts as well as develop new tooling.BUFFALO, NY
Stuart Tool & Die, IncSince 1989, Stuart Tool & Die has built custom tooling and machined components in Falconer, New York, with a particular focus on large-diameter turning and complex four- and five-axis milling. The privately held company employs more than 35 people in a 40,000-square-foot facility, drawing on hundreds of years of combined tool-and-die experience. Stuart also works with local high schools to introduce students to careers in machining and supports community organizations, schools, sports, and military causes.FALCONER, NY
Graybill's Tool & Die, IncFounded in Manheim in 1956, Graybill’s Tool & Die grew from H. Roy Graybill’s machine shop into a full-service job shop designing and building special machines, automation systems, tooling, and precision-machined parts. The company now works from a 20,000-square-foot facility with about 30–35 employees, taking projects from early design and prototyping through short-run production. Its long history includes a distinctive second life for the former Cinco cigar factory, renovated as Graybill’s home in 1978.MANHEIM, PA
Monroe Tool & Manufacturing Co. IncA third-generation family business, Monroe Tool & Manufacturing grew from Herb Sr.’s Cleveland garage into a shop known for taking on difficult, mission-critical work. The company has operated for more than 75 years, from building top-secret bomb racks during World War II to producing precision-machined parts and assemblies for demanding industrial customers.CLEVELAND, OH