Marvel Manufacturing has 2,000 square feet and is preparing to hire an employee . Yakima Machine & Prototype is moving from 1,000 square feet in the fall of 2024 into a new shop with 6,000 square feet and five full-time employees by Q1 2025 . Marvel has done some aerospace work and is looking to grow that industry .
Marvel Manufacturing — Lewiston , Idaho
Yakima said two of their biggest customers manufacture aerospace components and ground support equipment . They haven ’ t yet broken into the space industry , but they hope to .
Marshall said one of the challenges of courting a new customer is finding the right person within an organization who makes purchasing decisions and forming a relationship with them . But he said , tongue-in-cheek , “ When it comes down to it , the machine doesn ’ t know or care what industry the part is for . The toolpaths are the same , the CAM software is the same , and the same processes are used to manufacture the parts .” He added that finding the right contact “ usually requires more than sending one email or phone call . Buyers , engineers , and production planners all have people they prefer to work with and often have been for years . I completely understand that when I reach out to someone who has never heard of us ; they won ’ t automatically start sending RFQs .”
Luckily , Marshall understands that long-term relationships have value and said , “ You understand each other ’ s expectations ; you can call in a favor when you need a quick turnaround , and you can resolve issues faster when they arise .
DECEMBER 2024 | JANUARY 2025 ISSUE NO . 42 13