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.
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!
(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!
(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!
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
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.