RIPLEY MACHINE: A VALUES-DRIVEN VALUE MANUFACTURER
Located near Lake Erie in Ripley, New York, Ripley Machine combines machining and grinding experience to provide innovative manufacturing solutions with an emphasis on valve parts.
Andy Reinwald, Ripley Machine’s owner and president, spoke with us about how the customer-focused company has grown and evolved since joining NTMA in 2016.
Before acquiring Ripley Machine from his grandfather, Quentin Bensink, in 2015, Andy spent his younger years falling in love with the business of manufacturing. Today, like his grandfather before him, Andy’s Christian values drive his commitment to empowering his community through meaningful employment and charitable contributions.
Ripley Machine’s talented team members each bring an average of 15 years of experience to their workplace, where, since 1994, satisfied customers have received superior CNC turning, milling, grinding, Swiss turning, and casting and forging.
RIPLEY MACHINE EMBRACES OPPORTUNITY WITH NTMA
“When I took over the company, I sought out a community for networking and learning opportunities to help grow the CNC business,” says the young shop owner. Like any manufacturer learning how to run a machine shop, Andy faced his share of challenges, but his dedication to the company’s customers paved the way for success.
“I love face-to-face interactions with our customers,” he expresses. It’s his passion for people that made NTMA the right fit for his evolving business, for the machine shop management team, and for Andy personally.
As Vice President of NTMA’s Northwestern Pennsylvania (NWPA) Chapter, Andy particularly values the many opportunities to sponsor chapter initiatives such as the National Robotics League. He also relishes introducing manufacturing as a rewarding career option for area youth.
HOW NTMA ENABLES ADVANCEMENT FOR RIPLEY MACHINE
At the start of 2024, Andy will step into the NWPA Chapter’s role of President and continue the organization’s mission to secure the manufacturing industry for future generations. Throughout his seven years of NTMA membership, the second-generation shop owner has found significant value in the affiliation’s focus on helping a new era of manufacturers learn how to run a machine shop successfully.
1. NETWORKING AND LEARNING WITH NTMA
“NTMA’s national and local networking opportunities have been incredibly beneficial,” Andy affirms. “Just a few weeks ago, I collaborated with a chapter member to provide laser engraving to a customer—a service Ripley Machine doesn’t offer in-house. And that same manufacturer has helped me explore the idea of obtaining a delivery vehicle for our shop.”
The Ripley Machine team also leverages NTMA’s workforce training programs to elevate their capabilities and benefit their customers.
2. INVALUABLE ADVOCACY FROM NTMA
Andy serves on NTMA’s Government Affairs Team, where he sees firsthand how the organization’s One Voice lobbying work safeguards and uplifts metalworkers throughout the United States. “It’s difficult to quantify the immediate benefit of advocacy,” he acknowledges, “but I know NTMA’s work on Capitol Hill positively impacts my business and other manufacturing businesses. They’re fighting for us there.”
The legal services NTMA provides through McMahon Berger have also proven useful to Andy and other next-generation shop owners learning how to run a machine shop amidst workforce shortages and rapid reshoring.
3. STAYING ON TREND WITH NTMA
Along with regular conversations with fellow NTMA members, Andy relies on NTMA’s social media (from Facebook to LinkedIn) and The Record to keep his machine shop management team aware of the industry’s latest trends and technologies.
He also raves about one of the association’s most notable experiences. “NTMA’s conferences offer firsthand insights into upcoming trends for today’s machine shops,” Andy explains. “The events connect me to other owners and allow me to learn from the leaders who came before me.”
MANUFACTURERS LIKE RIPLEY MACHINE KEEP AMERICAN MANUFACTURING ALIVE WITH NTMA
“I can’t say enough good things about my NTMA/NWPA Chapter and the community we’ve built. So much of the value I’ve gained from my NTMA membership comes from this local community and its initiatives. Active participation is the best way to truly benefit from NTMA membership.” — Andy Reinwald
