John Macchia, Jr. - Advance Turning and Manufacturing - 2024 Manufacturer of the Year (Large Tier)
This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
By the time John Macchia Jr. was six, he was already invested in his father’s precision parts manufacturing company, now known as Advance Turning and Manufacturing.
John Macchia Sr. began the company in 1968 by hand-machining parts out of his basement on Randolph Street in Jackson. By 1972, his business became incorporated.
It’s this story of hard work, inspiration, creativity and insight that has recognized John Macchia Jr. as the 2024 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier.
Lighting the Way
When he was in middle school, Macchia Jr. went to his father’s shop on the weekends to help deburr parts and sweep floors. When he was 14, he would catch rides with second-shift employees for the opportunity to learn how to operate machines. By the time Macchia Jr. was in his early 20s, his father saw that he had strong ideas for the future of the company and, in 1997, asked him to take on the role of president.
“What really surprised me about him, not only was he very interested in the business, he had an ability to see processes all the way through,” Macchia Sr. says. “I’m a hands-on guy, and I worked in the shop most all the time and enjoyed working with my hands, building parts, working with the people. John had a much bigger vision.”
Macchia Jr. advanced the company by diversifying — going from solely focusing on products for the aerospace industry to providing solutions for the health care industry and several other sectors. He also led Advance Turning through three significant acquisitions of other manufacturing companies.
Ben Britten, Vice President of Manufacturing, and Pam Shepherd, Director of Sales and Customer Service, both gave credit to Macchia Jr.’s “consistency” in the realization of his vision.
“John’s customer-focused approach along with his investment in people, equipment and technology all tied together through our core values is truly a recipe for success.” Britten says.
Indeed, from the day he took on a leadership role in his father’s business, Macchia Jr. has been able to translate practical manufacturing experience into a sustainable growth plan for the company.
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with John for nearly 40 years, and it’s rare to find a leader and owner as deeply involved in the daily operations as he is,” says Joe Sorenson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “His passion for both his employees and customers is unmatched. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a company led with such dedication and vision.”
The Heart of the Company
In addition to Macchia Jr.’s growth strategy, the core value of “respect” at Advance Turning has contributed to the company’s longevity.
“Respect is just part of the foundation of who we are,” says Macchia Jr., who now holds the title of CEO. “When I look at fostering innovation and creativity, I think it’s human nature to want to be creative, to want to be challenged and to be innovative every single day.”
John Rappleye, the company President, says Macchia Jr. leads by example with the things he does, his teachings and how he conducts himself.
“Advance Turning is a place where every employee is treated the same, whether we have an employee that started last Monday or we have an employee who is going to retire next week,” Rappleye says. “Everyone is given the same level of respect, and that’s the culture we have.”
Macchia Jr. is genuine and authentic in everything he does, Britten says, and he is dedicated to giving back to the community and to his team.
Shepherd notes that Macchia’s leadership has inspired their annual holiday food drives to support those in need in the community. Additionally, Advance Turning gives back by working closely with organizations like Jackson Area Manufacturers Association, Jackson Area Career Center, and local high schools, providing opportunities for future generations and ensuring the long-term success of manufacturing in Michigan.
Actions like his flow downstream, she says, because if a leader sets such an example, others will follow.
“I think winning the award validates the ‘power of we,’” Macchia Jr. says, adding that he is honored to be part of the business. “Every day we have 275 people walk into this organization and they combine their talents to provide the world with life-changing products.”
John Macchia Jr.’s foresight and innovation leading to the growth of his company are among the many reasons why he has been named the 2024 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier.
The Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Large Tier is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.
The 2024 Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Large Tier was sponsored by Rehmann. Visit online: rehmann.com.