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Zero Tolerance, LLC: 2018 Machine Shop Interview

October 7, 2026 update: historical interview and buyer context

Originally published November 14, 2018. The original interview discusses the company’s beginnings, moldmaking work, and approach to learning new technology. Those first-person answers are preserved as statements made for the 2018 feature.

This editorial update does not verify the company’s current operating status, ownership, address, staffing, equipment, or certifications. Readers considering a project should confirm current details directly through independently verified company contact information before relying on the historical listings below.

Questions to bring to a supplier conversation

For a moldmaking RFQ, clarify the intended part, material, production expectations, tooling scope, sampling responsibilities, and acceptance requirements. Confirm whether design, machining, EDM, molding, and related work are included in the proposed scope or require separate arrangements.

Ask who will review the RFQ, which information is missing, and when a useful next response can be expected. Agree on an approved transfer method before sending confidential or controlled technical files. Keep any technical commitments tied to the reviewed requirements and current quotation.

A lesson for machine shop websites

The interview format helps readers understand the people and decisions behind a business. A current capability page should pair that story with verified services, clear limitations, and an easy inquiry route. Date older profiles so buyers can distinguish historical background from information they should use in supplier qualification.

For a practical next step, read the machine shop website checklist and RFQ qualification guide. The original interview follows, with its period-specific statements preserved.

Original 2018 interview

Welcome back everyone, and we would like to apologize for the delay in featuring a new shop; however, the wait was certainly worth it. For this installment in our Machine Shop Of The Week series we head to Fraser, Michigan to meet Zero Tolerance CNC (historical website link unavailable when checked October 7, 2026).

So jumping right into it, how did you get started? 

We started our business in Lawrence Kansas while I was still working as a full time employee with a different company. We bought our first CNC mill in 2011 and I had to totally rebuild it myself, it took 3 months. From there we acquired more used equipment until we reached the point where we had a fully equipped machine shop. Originally from Michigan, my wife Jamie and I made a decision to sell our homes in Kansas and move back to Michigan to live with my parents until we had the company (Zero Tolerance, LLC) fully funding itself in its new location. Our growing family moved into my parent’s basement and lived there for 3 years until we thought the timing was right to make it on our own again while running the shop. During our time living with my parents we had our 4th son, Eli James. Hit the fast forward button 3 years… and we have a great family of employees that have helped us continue to grow and be the best we can be. We have purchased our first shop building and also recently purchased another company called Sunspot Tooling Systems. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!

What are some struggles you have had along the way of growing your shop?

Trying to stay up-to-date with all the new technology in the world so we can provide the best possible outcomes for our customers and staff.

What should we know that makes your shop unique?

We pride ourselves on hitting deadlines and making sure any job that comes out of our shop is as close to perfect as it can be. We have the willingness to continue to learn, whatever our customers need and if it can be done we WILL figure it out! We are always striving for perfection – achieving and delivering excellence.

What are your capabilities/services?

We are a plastic injection mold machine shop our services are:

-Design/Build Plastic Injection Molds

-Sinker EDM Burning

-Mold Design

-3D Printing

-CNC Machining/programming

-Benching and Spotting

-Fixturing

-Injection Molding

Do you specialize in working in a particular industry or industries?

We work with a lot of different industries such as Medical, Automotive, Military, Consumer Products…etc. We do it all!

Tell us about a unique job you’ve done.

Some unique work we’ve done as a company has been related to technology and the internet. We worked on a project called MYCROFT funded and started on Kickstarter it is the OG of Amazon Alexa or the Echo Dot. We built the mold for the body of the robot and seeing the journey their company has gone through and the success has been really cool, and it was awesome we were able to be apart of it.

Another cool job was when we built molds that make an Iphone case called, Slyder. The back of the case slides out so you can put your credit cards and license in the back of your phone, or money! Along the way I’ve been brainstorming a new invention called SMARTSPOT. A phone holder for your car that fits right into your cars cup holder, it holds your phone, drink, charging cords and best of all… ITS NOT MOUNTED ON YOUR WINDSHIELD! With the ever increasing dangers of having our phones constantly in our faces when driving SMARTSPOT gives drivers the option of putting your phone in a place that is NOT a distraction or obstruction but is in reach. Promoting the wise choice to leave your phone in the SMARTSPOT while driving, could save a life.

Zero Tolerance CNC Project - SMARTSPOT | Michigan Machine Shop

Additional Company Information

  • Website     zerotolerancecnc.com
  • Phone                 (586) 630 3032
  • Mailing Address         33419 Kelly Road Fraser, MI 48026
  • Facebook Page URL         facebook.com/zerocnc
  • Instagram Page URL     www.instagram.com/ZEROCNC
  • Owner(s) Name(s)                   Steve & Jamie Michon

Fraser, Michigan Machine Shop Logo | Zero Tolerance CNC LLC

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Precision Manufacturing Solutions: 2018 Shop Interview

October 7, 2026 update: historical interview and buyer context

Originally published October 8, 2018. The original interview describes complex machining, inspection practices, and the company’s reported capabilities at the time. Employee counts, equipment, certification statements, and dimensional capabilities below are historical interview content.

This editorial update does not verify the company’s current operating status, ownership, address, staffing, equipment, or certifications. Readers considering a project should confirm current details directly through independently verified company contact information before relying on the historical listings below.

Questions to bring to a supplier conversation

For complex machining, request a current capability review against the actual drawing and revision. Confirm material requirements, critical characteristics, inspection methods, documentation, and any applicable certification scope directly with the supplier. A general capability list cannot confirm that a specific feature is achievable in your part.

Ask who will review the RFQ, which information is missing, and when a useful next response can be expected. Agree on an approved transfer method before sending confidential or controlled technical files. Keep any technical commitments tied to the reviewed requirements and current quotation.

A lesson for machine shop websites

The interview format helps readers understand the people and decisions behind a business. A current capability page should pair that story with verified services, clear limitations, and an easy inquiry route. Date older profiles so buyers can distinguish historical background from information they should use in supplier qualification.

For a practical next step, read the machine shop website checklist and RFQ qualification guide. The original interview follows, with its period-specific statements preserved.

Original 2018 interview

We have found our third machine shop to feature in our Machine Shop Of The Week series, and we are thrilled to introduce Precision Manufacturing Solutions of Biddeford, Maine.

Logo For Precision Manufacturing Solutions | Maine

How did you get started? And how has the journey been so far?

In 2003 Precision Manufacturing Solutions was formed and continues to be operated by key employees of the former Atlantic Precision Products. Our focus from the beginning has been High Complexity work in the Aerospace and Defense sectors that other shops shy away from while utilizing the highest levels of technology available. We started with a dozen employees and have grown to 75 currently. We employ machinists who enjoy being challenged and are passionate about the trade. Employees looking for an easy ride don’t do well here.

Alloy Machined | by Precision Manufacturing Solutions

What are some struggles you have had along the way of growing your shop/business?

Probably the biggest challenge has been finding employees that are interested in a challenge, and are willing to put the time in to learn the necessary skills.

What should we know that makes your shop/business unique?

We are unique in our ability to create processes to control difficult to machine features, in difficult to machine alloys, at difficult to hold tolerances.

What are your capabilities/services?

ISO 9001:2015 & AS9100D Certified Quality System.

Full ERP System with integrated scheduling

Solid Model Creation

100% of our programing is from Solid Models, including our CMM’s

Flatness to 2 HLB (.000022”)

Roundness .0002

True Position to .001

Profile to .001

Diameters to +/-.0002

Multiple CMM’s with Calibrated accuracy < .000045

Optical Flat measuring capability to 5” diameter

Form-Scan measurement capability (Roundness, Flatness, Perpendicularity, Parallelism to <.00001)

Contrace measurement capability (Theoretical Points of Intersect, angles, radi to <.00005)

Turning = up to 18”

Milling = 400mm Cube

5-Axis = 14” dia x 12” long Cylinder

Multitasking (Mill Turn) 12” x 12” Cylinder

We regularly work in 300 & 400 Series Stainless Steel, Inconel’s, Hastelloy’s, Nimonic’s, Titanium’s, Tungsten, Magnesium, etc…

Exterior Photo of Precision Manufacturing Solutions | Maine

(Exterior)

Maine Machine Shop | Precision Mfg. | Interior

(Interior)

Do you specialize in working in a particular industry or industries?

We specialize in Aerospace, primarily engine seals, and Defense, primarily Optics.

CNC Machining by Precision Mfg. | Maine

Multiple Images | CNC Machining Project | Precision Mfg.

Business Information

Website – https://www.precision-mfg.com/

Phone – (207) 282-6080

Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/precisionmanufacturingsolutions/

Thank you for telling us a little about yourself! We encourage that you read our week #1 and week #2 posts if you haven’t already. If you would like to learn more about our work here at KriXis Consulting be sure to check out some of our results from a recent Case Study – Marketing Guide For Online Dominance.

Be sure to share this post with others in the industry, and if you are interested in being featured in an upcoming post please fill out the contact form below.

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Burch Micro Machining: 2018 Napa Shop Interview

October 7, 2026 update: historical interview and buyer context

Originally published September 25, 2018. This interview records the shop’s account of its history, customer relationships, and repair and prototype work in 2018. The original location, ownership, and contact details are retained as part of that dated account.

This editorial update does not verify the company’s current operating status, ownership, address, staffing, equipment, or certifications. Readers considering a project should confirm current details directly through independently verified company contact information before relying on the historical listings below.

Questions to bring to a supplier conversation

For a repair or one-off project, explain the function of the part, known material, damaged features, available drawings, and the required outcome. Ask how dimensions will be established when no drawing exists, who approves changes, and how the completed work will be checked. Photographs can introduce the problem, but they may not provide enough information for a firm quote.

Ask who will review the RFQ, which information is missing, and when a useful next response can be expected. Agree on an approved transfer method before sending confidential or controlled technical files. Keep any technical commitments tied to the reviewed requirements and current quotation.

A lesson for machine shop websites

The interview format helps readers understand the people and decisions behind a business. A current capability page should pair that story with verified services, clear limitations, and an easy inquiry route. Date older profiles so buyers can distinguish historical background from information they should use in supplier qualification.

For a practical next step, read the machine shop website checklist and RFQ qualification guide. The original interview follows, with its period-specific statements preserved.

Original 2018 interview

This week marks the second post in our blog series Machine Shop Of The Week, and we are happy to say we found a shop in our home state of California. So without further delay we would like to introduce Burch Micro Machining of Napa, Ca.

Company Logo | Burch Micro Machining

How did you get started? And how has the journey been so far?

Well, the business was started in 1986 by Arthur Burch who began as an apprentice on Mare Island during WW2. After working there for many years and going through the pilot training program, the war ended and he ended up as a B29 mechanic at Travis Air Force Base. He went on to run a motorcycle shop and was the mechanic for his race team. When the time came to move on he found this shop space and brought his knowledge with him!

What are some struggles you have had along the way of growing your shop/business?

The greatest struggle has been learning the effective use of social media and online marketing strategies. Finding where we can get the most out of out money is an on going battle.

What should we know that makes your shop/business unique?

We find that our customers become long time friends more often than not! Having lunch with several of our past customers is a regular Friday for us!

Building Exterior | Burch Micro Machining

(Shop Exterior)

What are your capabilities/services?

Our services range anywhere from repair to making parts and prototype! We also bore motorcycle cylinders and other small engines!

Napa, CA | Burch Micro Machining | Inside View

(Shop Interior)

Do you specialize in working in a particular industry or industries?

We’re smack dab in the middle of wine country where hundreds of business revolving around agriculture are based. We have no specializations listed but wine production repairs and bottling line parts are not uncommon sights in our shop!

Tell us about a unique job you’ve done.

Many interesting one off jobs come through our doors but one that sticks out to me is a recent one where a customer asked us to mount a Rolls Royce hood ornament to a walking stick!

Rolls-Royce Emblem | Machined by Burch Micro Machining

Business Information

Website – http://burchmicromachining.com (historical website link unavailable when checked October 7, 2026)

Phone – (707) 257-7229

Mailing Address – 1790 Tanen St. Napa, CA

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Burch-Micro-Machining-154997467869157/

Owner(s) – Arthur Burch & Joseph Gabrielian

Owner Of Burch Micro Machining

We at KriXis Consulting would like to thank Burch Micro Machining for their time and letting us get to know them. If you have not had the chance to view our first post in the series, be sure to check out Caliber Automation.

If you are interested in having your shop featured in this series at no cost or expectation hire us for your marketing services simple fill out the contact form below and we will send a questionnaire to you as soon as possible.

Become Featured

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Caliber Automation: 2018 Machine Shop Interview

Caliber Automation interview

October 7, 2026 update: historical interview and buyer context

Originally published September 16, 2018. The original feature describes the founder’s experience with machine maintenance, repair, and automation. It remains a record of that conversation, rather than a newly conducted interview or verification of the company’s current services.

This editorial update does not verify the company’s current operating status, ownership, address, staffing, equipment, or certifications. Readers considering a project should confirm current details directly through independently verified company contact information before relying on the historical listings below.

Questions to bring to a supplier conversation

For an automation or machine-service inquiry, identify the equipment, symptoms or production objective, current process, available documentation, and site constraints. Ask how diagnostic work, implementation, operator training, and acceptance testing will be scoped. Establish responsibility for safety review and production restart before committing to a project.

Ask who will review the RFQ, which information is missing, and when a useful next response can be expected. Agree on an approved transfer method before sending confidential or controlled technical files. Keep any technical commitments tied to the reviewed requirements and current quotation.

A lesson for machine shop websites

The interview format helps readers understand the people and decisions behind a business. A current capability page should pair that story with verified services, clear limitations, and an easy inquiry route. Date older profiles so buyers can distinguish historical background from information they should use in supplier qualification.

For a practical next step, read the machine shop website checklist and RFQ qualification guide. The original interview follows, with its period-specific statements preserved.

Original 2018 interview

Logo for Caliber Automation | IL

Welcome to our first of many posts in our new blog series, Machine Shop Of The Week. Our goal is to allow hundreds of machine shops or industry related businesses promote themselves, explain services, showcase projects and hopefully get some additional work through this blog. This is completely free for machine shops, and posts will be live in the order that the completed questionnaires are received. If you are interested in receiving a questionnaire please fill out the contact form found at the bottom of this entry, thank you.

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We would like to introduce, Caliber Automation LLC of Des Plaines, IL.

Caliber Automation, Business Owner, Jacek Cioch

Owner, Jacek Cioch

How did you get started? And how has the journey been so far?

I’ve started working for a company that would rebuild CNC machines for customers and for resale. I was able to learn the intricate details underneath a CNC machine that made it run and function the way it was supposed. After words, for about 5 years I spent in the maintenance department working on all types of machines such as multi-spindle, broaching, VMC, lathes, EDM, inspection machines, etc. It was an eye-opening experience to be able to be around different ways of processing a single part. Afterwards, we started to work with automation and improving the company’s current processes either decreasing cycle time or making the machines run multiple part numbers with minimal or even no change in tooling. From there, Caliber Automation was formed. Focusing from automation to our strong background in maintenance and repair, we can give our customers all types of solutions that they might not even know about.

What are some struggles you have had along the way of growing your business?

Hardest part of running a business is the unknown. You don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring but I believe that is what drives us. We don’t stop at “well, we never have done this” because there is always a beginning to learning new things and fear is something you must overcome to grow. In the beginning, it was scary to drop everything and go full-time working as a business owner because you have your monthly living expenses and they must be met because no one is going to give you a check at the end of the week saying, “good job”. It puts “owning a business” into a completely different perspective but the benefits outweigh the negatives.

What should we know that makes your shop/business unique?

Our business is a family run business where we focus on everybody, not just the larger companies. We’ve noticed a lack of support for companies that are starting out or people not pursuing their passion in the machining world only because the cost of running a business is too high. We want to change that and work with everybody to give them what they need, for an amount that benefits them rather than worried because another component broke down or a process isn’t working the way it should be.

What are your capabilities?

Caliber Automation focus on troubleshooting and maintenance of all types of machinery, automation, process control, etc. Our strong suit is our electronics department where we can repair, or exchange most common electronics found in CNC machines such as Fanuc, Siemens, Fuji. We do retrofitting of newer devices to replace legacy components to the same specifications or better. Caliber Automation also focuses on process improvements such as maximizing the output a certain machine, automation, or inspection process can output. There are many ways to fix a problem, and we will sit down and talk with you to see which way is best in the current situation.

Do you specialize in working in a particular industry or industries?

We do not have a particular industry we work in because we have worked in the automotive field, food industry, chemical processing, woodworking, and many more.

Tell us about a unique job you’ve done.

A unique job we did was programming a Fanuc 2D camera to pick up squares on bags that were later on dumping into a mixer to create slurries for polishing. The camera would use the arrow for the orientation of the bag to pick it up correctly since it was a 75lbs bag, also it would use the scale of the arrow to determine how far the robot needed to go to pick up the bag without ripping the bag open on accident and causing a mess! It was a challenge project where two other companies failed but Caliber Automation got it done and in a very tight time frame.

Business Information

  • Website – https://Caliber-automation.com (historical website link unavailable when checked October 7, 2026)
  • Address – 108 Touhy Ct. Des Plaines, IL 60018
  • Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/caliber_automation/
  • Owner – Jacek R. Cioch

Service Page – From Website

Historical screenshot of Caliber Automation’s services page from the 2018 interview

Online Store

eBay Store for Caliber Automation | Screenshot

Thank you for the taking the time to checkout our first featured business. Be sure to showcase yourself and suggest being featured to any owners you know. Checkout our services which make us the marketing leaders in the machining and manufacturing industry. Need proof? Checkout a recent case study on two machine shop’s digital marketing strategy which led to online dominance.

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