Solidifying the Company’s Viability
In 1961, James Wiltsie Sr. and Charles Hasselschwert purchased the remaining stock of the four other original investors. Their primary focus at the time was solidifying the company’s viability in the marketplace, expanding the customer base, and securing long-term employment for their 23 employees.
Dramatically Increased Production
In 1976, the company dramatically increased its production capacity by adding 10,660 sq. ft. to its manufacturing area and 1,300 sq. ft. to the office. The increased space allowed Vanamatic to increase the number of screw machines to 18 with total employment now at 31 people.
The area previously occupied by the screw machines was completely renovated and converted to the second operation department. The 1976 expansion also included a 1,300 sq. ft. increase to the existing office space.
Charles Hasselschwert Retired
In 1980, Charles Hasselschwert, co-owner and plant manager, retired and sold his stock to Jeff Wiltsie, Perry Wiltsie, and Jim Wiltsie Jr.
“Vanex” Building Began Operations
In August 1996, the “Vanex” building began operations across the street from the main plant. This location was built with the cellular concept in mind. The original 4,000 sq. ft. storage building plus a 2,500 sq. ft. addition were turned into the first Vanamatic Company work cell.
Three screw machines and supporting secondary operations produce the vast majority of the automotive work for the company. Self-directed work teams were implemented and became the model for our future expansion.
Began Construction of a New Building
After numerous additions to our previous facility and faced with an inability to add space at our current location, Vanamatic began construction of a new building in October 2002.
The design process began in 1998 and incorporated many of the ideas received from employee interviews and operational flow charts. The actual building design was based completely on cellular operations and self-direction work teams.
Increase Capacity for Aerospace Contracts
In 2009, Vanamatic invested in numerous primary and secondary CNC machines primarily to increase capacity and capability for aerospace contracts. The new equipment enabled products to be completed in one operation with significantly tighter tolerances and product feature capability.
Big Transitions for Vanamatic
August 2019 – Vanamatic Company has been owned and operated by the Wiltsie Family for more than 65 years. Second-generation owners; Jim Wiltsie Jr., Jeff Wiltsie, Perry Wiltsie, and Patricia (Wiltsie) Morris, in working on a retirement exit plan have identified a Strategic Group of key employees who have stepped up with great success in managing day-to-day operations. This group consists of Scott Wiltsie, HR, Adam Wiltsie, Plant Manager, Jared Wiltsie, Engineering, Steve Schroeder, Sales, and David Ricker II, IT.
Jim Wiltsie Jr. retired in 2018, Patricia Morris retired at the end of 2020 while Jeff & Perry Wiltsie remained with the company over the next five years as shareholders, Directors, and mentors to support the new ownership group as they moved forward.
“This transition ensures Vanamatic Company will remain privately owned and operated for the foreseeable future and gives confidence and security to our customers, suppliers, community, and most importantly to our employees that a smooth transition will occur. We have great confidence that the new ownership group will continue to successfully lead and guide Vanamatic Company well into the future.” – Jeff Wiltsie, CEO
Jeffrey & Perry Wiltsie Retire
On December 31st, 2021, Jeffrey S. Wiltsie – CEO/President of Manufacturing & Perry J. Wiltsie – Vice President/Quality officially retired from Vanamatic Company.
Jeff & Perry spent their lives, along with previous owners James N. Wiltsie, Jr., and Tricia Morris, building Vanamatic Company into one of the highest-regarded precision machining companies in the industry.
