Overview

The 18,400 machine shops in the US process various materials, such as metal, plastic, or composites, to produce custom parts. Companies may specialize in a particular process (such as lathing) or an industry (such as automotive). Most projects are low volume and require high precision. The industry consists of small- to medium-sized businesses – no large companies dominate.

Manufacturing Moving Overseas

Machine shops are small- to medium-sized businesses, and are generally unable to supply customers who move manufacturing overseas where production costs are considerably lower.

Dependence On Skilled Labor

Operating machine shop equipment requires a blend of technical knowledge and experience.