Founded in Mansfield in 1999 by Mark and Pam Hess, Hess Industries builds and repairs progressive and transfer tooling, with specialized in-die tapping and fastener-insertion systems made at its 15,000-square-foot Technology Center. The company became family-led in 2021 when Ryan and Haley Hess joined as co-owners, continuing a hands-on metalworking business that has grown from one account into a supplier serving tool shops and stampers worldwide. Its history is marked by early adoption of wire EDM, 5-axis machining, industrial 3D printing and robotic production technology.
TDL Tool, IncFounded in Xenia in 1992, TDL Tool designs and builds tooling and specialized machinery while also providing the machining and metalworking services needed to bring those projects into production. The company has grown from a 4,000-square-foot shop built by founder Steve Mangan into a broad manufacturing operation, with notable work ranging from large-format EDM to automation systems and custom prototypes. Since 2017, TDL Tool has been owned by Steve Mangan’s sons, Tim and Dan.XENIA, OH
JV Manufacturing Co., IncFounded in 1975 in the back of an ice cream shop, JV Manufacturing now designs and builds high-speed carbide progressive stamping dies and precision components for manufacturers worldwide. The Natrona Heights company remains a third-generation family business led by Ryan and Melissa Vecchi, with two facilities spanning more than 120,000 square feet and in-house expertise extending from tooling design through production. Its problem-solving approach is backed by ISO 9001:2015 certification and a workforce that includes second- and third-generation employee families.NATRONA HEIGHTS, PA
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