Our People & Purpose

Global brands rely on Stecker Machine as their one-stop shop for complex CNC machined castings that achieve the tightest tolerances and precision possible. We partner with a core group of foundries and suppliers to ensure consistent quality, and our highly skilled in-house engineers, operators, and project managers follow robust processes for unrivaled workmanship and repeatable results.

Whether big or small, our customer-first philosophy helps ensure everyone receives the highest levels of service, attention, and respect. We make manufacturing easy and work hard so you don’t have to. 

Our 12 Guiding Principles

At Stecker, we demonstrate these 12 guiding principles that drive excellence, every day.

  • SMC is committed to long-term success. Short-term decisions and satisfaction cannot compromise long-term goals. 

  • Our business foundation is built on establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with team members, customers, and suppliers.

  • A strong technical knowledge base provides the experience, expertise, and knowledge to apply throughout the business. 

  • The needs of team members and their families are influential factors when setting the direction of the company for success and sustainability.   

  • Utilizing advanced technology and automation is essential to remain a leader in the industry. 

  • Embracing unique thoughts and collaborating as a group leads to successes that exceed what an individual could achieve alone. 
  • Clear and accurate communication with team members, customers, and suppliers is what drives our business every day. 

  • The development of people is critical to meet the desires of team members, support customer needs and company growth, and adapt to the increasingly technical workload. 

  • Strategic investment in machinery, equipment, and facilities positions the company for future growth that supports customer demands. 

  • We understand the importance of leveraging the unique strengths of people as we position them for continued success. 

  • Sound business practices position the business, team members, customers, and suppliers to navigate ever-changing industry conditions. 

  • We believe that leading by example is important to ensure successful partner relationships. 

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GIVING

Our OEM Customers a Competitive Advantage

Stecker employee next to forklift in 1973

1973

The Beginning

Stecker Machine Company (SMC) is founded as a tool and die shop by Jerry and Charles Stecker

Stecker employee operating a CNC Machine

1979

Investment

SMC purchases a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine (the first of many) and inspection equipment

Group of Stecker Employees in 1984

1984

Relocation

SMC growth prompts a relocation just south of Manitowoc, WI; over the next decade, several additions are made

Group of Stecker Employees in 1999

1999

Growth

The company grows to over 100 employees

Stecker building in 2001

2001

New Home

The company moves to its current location (in the town of Newton) now known as Plant 1; 100,000 ft2 for manufacturing, 10,000 ft2 for offices

Overhead view of Stecker's 2008 building with addition

2008

Addition

Customer demand results in more growth; SMC builds a 45,000 ft2 addition (Bay 5) for storing castings and finished parts

Employees breaking ground for new building in 2012

2012

New Building

Continued success leads to a second building, 81,000 ft2 of expanded production space (Plant 2)

2015 Image of Leadership Team

2015

New Leadership

Jerry Stecker retires, passing leadership to Brad Kurtzweil and Brian Stecker

2019 buidling expansion

2019

More Growth

Plant 2 expands by an additional 80,000 ft2; SMC total space hits 316,000 ft2

Stecker employees accepting award

2022

Accolades

SMC is named a “Top Shop” by Modern Machine Shop and presented with the award at the International Manufacturing Technology Show

Stecker building sign

2023

50th Anniversary

With 270 employees, 100 CNC machines, 11 Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), and 12 robots, SMC celebrates its 50th anniversary with record annual sales

Icon showing collaborating employees

The Future

Long-Term Vitality

Stecker Machine continues to focus on what sets us apart: modern working conditions (flexible scheduling, air conditioning, transparent communication); dedicated and experienced machinists; state-of-the-art equipment; and a laser focus on quality

See how Stecker Machine is no ordinary machine shop:

Manufacture Your Career

Stecker Machine leans into our defining difference: the quality of our people and processes designed around those people. Competitive compensation and superior benefits (including low employee cost/high coverage health insurance) helps keep associates energized, growing, and truly loving their jobs. See our open positions by clicking below!

Contact Us

Customers connect with Stecker on many levels, from our sales team (who speak machining and manufacturing) to managers/shop leads to engineers to leadership. Throughout our organization, you’ll feel a dedicated commitment to customers’ needs.

Get the Latest

The Stecker blog isn’t your typical promotional push. We share news and information that’s usable for anyone in the CNC machining industry. Tooling, engineering, design for manufacturability, RFQs, quality control, and much more.