--- title: Stecker Machine Company Celebrates 50 Years of CNC Precision Machining description: Celebrating 50 years of CNC machining excellence is worthy of a look back and some celebration, too. See how Stecker Machine Company did it! image: https://www.steckermachine.com/hubfs/b6485ef9-ce82-4631-8f5e-ffa2f5ee2519.jpg --- 920-726-4526 [**920-726-4526](tel:920.726.4526) [![smc_logo_filled](https://www.steckermachine.com/hubfs/logos/smc_logo_filled-WT.svg "smc_logo_filled") ![smc_logo_filled_dark](https://www.steckermachine.com/hubfs/logos/smc_logo_filled-1.svg "smc_logo_filled") ](https://www.steckermachine.com) [![REQUEST A QUOTE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4484263/42796661-7dc0-42c5-aa91-fdab8f093e64.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4484263/42796661-7dc0-42c5-aa91-fdab8f093e64) ## [Stecker Machine Blog](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog) # Stecker Machine Company Celebrates 50 Years of CNC Precision Machining 07/07/2023 | [Matt Oswald](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/author/matt-oswald) ![](https://www.steckermachine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/b6485ef9-ce82-4631-8f5e-ffa2f5ee2519.jpg?height=418&name=b6485ef9-ce82-4631-8f5e-ffa2f5ee2519.jpg) It’s a classic American tale of hard work and enduring success. What started as a tool and die shop in a garage has evolved into a **world-class CNC precision machining** operation [recognized globally](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/stecker-machine-company-honored-as-2022-top-shop-by-modern-machine-shop) for its excellence. And this year, [Stecker Machine Company](https://www.steckermachine.com/about) celebrates **50 years** in business. “*Of course, I’m proud of this milestone and the company's accomplishments. Yet, I’m even more thankful for having **built strong relationships** with customers, suppliers, and employees*,” says Jerry Stecker, who founded the company with his brother Charles in 1973. “The first **machine tool supplier** we ever used is still a partner today. That’s the kind of relationship that makes me proud,” Jerry explains. “There are so many [foundries and suppliers](https://www.steckermachine.com/foundry-partnerships); these relationships are built over time and have been essential to our success,” he says. “Plus, so many **employees** have been with us for decades. I love that our [family-owned](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/why-family-ownership-matters-to-machine-shop-employees) CNC machine shop took on tough projects, has grown despite challenges, and continues to thrive throughout this remarkable journey,” he adds.   ## Technological Advancements, Earning Trust & Reinvesting in the Company A turning point in the company’s early history was the 1979 purchase of a dedicated [NC (numerical controlled) machining center.](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/cnc-machining-center) “This allowed us to confidently deliver the [quality machining](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/quality-control-for-cnc-machining-what-is-a-qms-why-is-it-so-important) we always obsessed over,” Jerry says. “Along with advanced inspection equipment around that same time, we established **standards** that still drive Stecker.” *“In addition to quality, taking on high-volume projects was also a turning point,*” Jerry adds. “*We reached ‘**partner status**’ with some customers and suppliers, which was huge for us.”* In the late ’90s, Stecker started working **directly with OEMs**, which elevated their level of support and service yet also required additional resources and allowed employees to take on more responsibility. “My strategy was always to wisely **reinvest** back into the company, both through [technology](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/top-7-cnc-machining-trends-that-will-drive-success-in-2023) and [people](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/cnc-machine-shops-most-powerful-tool),” Jerry says. That philosophy has resulted in **consistent growth** over the decades, with many **team members** remaining with Stecker while other manufacturers experienced a lot of turnover. ![IMG_0252](https://www.steckermachine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0252.jpg?width=726&height=726&name=IMG_0252.jpg) ## A Leadership Shift Without Skipping a Beat Retiring in 2015 to pass leadership to Brad Kurtzweil and Brian Stecker, Jerry left a **solid foundation** for Stecker Machine. “*Even before Brian and I were here, I think Jerry did a great job of setting us up to be successful,”* says Brad. *“What we’re now doing is building upon a **phenomenal base.”*** *“As **part complexity** continually evolved and became more challenging, we stepped up our game to meet customers’ needs. Part of the culture established by Jerry is **not backing down** from a challenge,”* Brian adds. More success means more work, which means more resources are needed. In 2019, Stecker completed an **80,000-square-foot addition** to the company’s second facility (built in 2012) to meet the growing demand for high-quality machining and assembly. That increased the company’s total working area to 316,000 square feet. *“**Supporting customers** is always our priority,”* Brad says. *“Customer demand kept growing, and we needed to add **capacity** and new CNC machine centers.”* ## A Culture Built on Respect Jerry established a [culture](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/company-culture-tips) early on that’s still followed today. According to Brian, the company’s **culture is a difference-maker** that attracts high-level people to the CNC shop. *“Without question, our employees make Stecker Machine who we are,” *Brian says. “*The **integrity** shown every day, the **desire** to take on challenging projects, and the **determination** to deliver projects on time … none of that happens without dedicated, passionate people. So, we all contribute to a working environment where they can grow and succeed.”* Brad adds, “When the **company is recognized** for our hard work, such as the [2022 Top Shop award](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/stecker-machine-company-honored-as-2022-top-shop-by-modern-machine-shop) last year, we celebrate as a team. Again, it all started with Jerry, and we live it daily.” “We’re always [looking for people](https://www.steckermachine.com/careers) who are the right fit for Stecker,” Brad says. ## Community Has Been Key Stecker supports and engages with the local community and, in turn, has felt that support returned. Manitowoc County **machinist apprenticeship programs** help students combine their high school educations with on-the-job learning and possible [long-term careers](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/4-tips-to-advance-your-manufacturing-career-path). Stecker does call Manitowoc County home, yet the company is closely connected to its nearest population center, the **Town of Newton**, Wisconsin. *“We feel very connected to Newton, and it is important for us to support the community, whether it is the local fire departments, first responders, or even the little league baseball team,” *Brad explains. *“It’s a win-win for Stecker and the community.”*   ## The Future Looks Bright as the Team Expands Coming off a record year in sales, Stecker now celebrates its **50th anniversary**, and company leadership is **optimistic** and **excited** about the future. “We can take a moment to enjoy this momentous accomplishment. Then, we’ll get right back to growing and expanding our **capabilities** without sacrificing quality or our core **values** that have made us successful,” Brad says. Brian adds, “We want to continue to be our customers’ **best supplier** while wisely managing growth. We’re conservative in a business sense, yet aggressive when it comes to investing in [new technology](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/industrial-robotics-in-a-cnc-machine-shop) and staff. It’s awesome we made it this far and we look forward to another fifty.” ![Stecker CNC Machining Company](https://www.steckermachine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stecker%20CNC%20Machining%20Company.jpg?width=3174&height=1705&name=Stecker%20CNC%20Machining%20Company.jpg) Now that you know Stecker a bit better, how can this 50-year-old expert help meet **your next challenging project**? Just click the button below to request a quote with Stecker Machine. 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He enjoys applying his engineering background to any business challenge. #### Related Posts [![10 Questions OEM Buyers Must Ask Before Choosing a CNC Machining Partner](https://www.steckermachine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/questions-to-ask-cnc-machining-partner.png?width=235&height=130&name=questions-to-ask-cnc-machining-partner.png)](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/how-to-find-a-great-cnc-partner) [10 Questions OEM Buyers Must Ask Before Choosing a CNC Machining Partner](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/how-to-find-a-great-cnc-partner) Jun 10, 2026 9:15:47 AM [![What Factors Impact CNC Machined Part Costs?](https://www.steckermachine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cnc_machined_part_costs.jpg?width=235&height=130&name=cnc_machined_part_costs.jpg)](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/what-factors-impact-cnc-machined-part-costs) [What Factors Impact CNC Machined Part Costs?](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/what-factors-impact-cnc-machined-part-costs) Apr 28, 2026 9:26:55 AM [![6 CNC Machining Trends OEMs Must Watch in 2026](https://www.steckermachine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery%20Pics/IMG_9973-Enhanced-NR.jpg?width=235&height=130&name=IMG_9973-Enhanced-NR.jpg)](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/cnc-machining-trends) [6 CNC Machining Trends OEMs Must Watch in 2026](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog/cnc-machining-trends) Feb 5, 2026 9:02:36 AM ## Subscribe [![Stecker Machine Co.](https://www.steckermachine.com/hubfs/logos/smc_logo_reversed-1.svg "Stecker Machine Co.") ](https://www.steckermachine.com/) [![Stecker Linkedin](https://www.steckermachine.com/hubfs/website_images/icons/linkedin-in-brands-fff.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stecker-machine-co-inc) [![Stecker Facebook](https://www.steckermachine.com/hubfs/website_images/icons/facebook-f-brands-fff.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/steckermachine) [![Stecker Top Shops](https://www.steckermachine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Employee%20Newsletters/August%202025/Top-Shop.png?width=150&height=125&name=Top-Shop.png "Top Shops") ](https://www.steckermachine.com/) #### [CAPABILITIES](https://www.steckermachine.com/capabilities) [Machining](https://www.steckermachine.com/capabilities/machining) [Value Added Services](https://www.steckermachine.com/capabilities/value-added-services) [Engineering & Quality](https://www.steckermachine.com/engineering-and-quality) [Sub-Contractor Services](https://www.steckermachine.com/sub-contractor-services) [Foundry Partnerships](https://www.steckermachine.com/foundry-partnerships)   #### [MARKETS WE SERVE](https://www.steckermachine.com/markets) [Agriculture](https://steckermachine-4484263.hs-sites.com/markets#agriculture) [Auto & On-Highway](https://steckermachine-4484263.hs-sites.com/markets#auto) [Construction & Off-Highway](https://steckermachine-4484263.hs-sites.com/markets#construction) [Recreation & Consumer Goods](https://steckermachine-4484263.hs-sites.com/markets#recreation) [Industrial Equipment](https://steckermachine-4484263.hs-sites.com/markets#industrial) #### [CAREERS](https://www.steckermachine.com/careers)   #### [ABOUT US](https://www.steckermachine.com/about)   #### [BLOG](https://www.steckermachine.com/blog)   #### [RESOURCES](https://www.steckermachine.com/resources) #### [REQUEST A QUOTE](https://www.steckermachine.com/request-a-quote)   #### [CONTACT US](https://www.steckermachine.com/contact) 5107 County Road C Manitowoc, WI 54220 920-726-4526 [smcinc@steckermachine.com](mailto:smcinc@steckermachine.com) [![Stecker Machine Co. is ISO9001 and TS19649 certified](https://www.steckermachine.com/hubfs/footer_certifications.svg)](https://www.steckermachine.com/hubfs/SMC-Certs/ISO-IATF%20cert%202022-0818.pdf) © 2026 Stecker Machine Co. 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