Nathan Cox - Cox Machine LLC - 2024 Manufacturer of the Year (Small Tier)
This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
“Yes, we will.”
That’s how Cox Machine’s team responds to requests to handle even the most challenging and unusual jobs — and they handle them with integrity and a spirit of innovation and collaboration. President Nathan Cox built the small company from the ground up, and he lives by the principles that he has set for his team, which is among the many reasons why he and his company are named the 2024 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier.
From the Ground Up
Based in Traverse City, Cox Machine LLC is a high-precision machine shop focused on low-volume product of extreme complexity.
“We’ve made our name cutting materials and parts that other people say no to,” says Cox, who studied machine tool and design at Ferris State University and then founded the company in 2016.
By placing a focus on the aerospace industry, the company now works with high-profile clients such as Boeing and NASA.
“I didn’t go finding them. They’ve all found us,” Cox says. “We’ve made a niche just saying yes to all of these crazy parts that go into spaceships and munitions.”
Luke Koscielski, Lathe Team Lead, says manufacturing jobs are gratifying overall and that Nathan Cox has created a work environment that is conducive to productivity, which leads to greater motivation and inspiration.
“He takes very good care of us as employees,” Koscielski says, adding that he likes the small-shop atmosphere at Cox. “This is probably the best job I’ve ever had, and I enjoy coming to work every day.”
A Culture of Giving to Others
Team members appreciate the fact that Cox takes a hands-on approach to leading his company.
“Nathan keeps a really close connection with the floor,” says Administrative Assistant Tammy Smith, adding that Cox also is very open to new ideas. “If anybody has any ideas or suggestions, they’re constantly coming in his office and asking what he thinks. Anytime there’s an issue, he is the first one on the floor trying to work it out with the operators or the machinists.”
She adds that Cox is very dedicated to his work and is a creative problem-solver.
“It’s a passion for him, and he goes through many hoops and jumps many obstacles to make things happen,” she says. “His innovation is incredible, the things he’s able to accomplish. He’s just very gifted and talented.”
Koscielski adds that Cox is one of the most caring people he knows.
“Anytime I have a problem, work-related or not, I know he’d lend an ear to listen and help me in any way he could,” Koscielski says, adding that he is proud to work at a company that gives back to the community on a regular basis.
It’s important to build up the manufacturing industry in northern Michigan, Cox says, as it has been devastated by the loss of several large OEMs.
“This community, in particular, has turned into a very tourist and seasonal community, so it’s super critical to have these steady day-in, day-out jobs that are paying good salaries so people can afford to buy houses, and it’s not seasonal,” he says.
The company also supports local robotics teams and Project Feed the Kids, an organization that hits close to him, as he grew up needing similar assistance.
“Grand Traverse has a really, really high percentage of kids in schools who are in free or reduced lunch programs,” he says. “Food insecurity is huge in our community, so we donate whatever time, money, sponsorships we can to that to make sure that’s not an issue going forward.”
Cox says he was overwhelmed by being selected as the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier, which is a testament to the entire company.
“It’s really a representation of what the people in this building do every single day,” Cox says. “It’s not about me. It’s absolutely about them. I’m the maestro, the orchestrator of it, but those guys are the guys playing the instruments and really getting things done.”
This company culture and dedication to the local community and to the overall manufacturing industry in Michigan places Nathan Cox and Cox Machine among an elite group of John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year recipients.
The Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small 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.