MCAC Honors Local Industry Leaders for Manufacturing Month!
October 22, 2025
October is National Manufacturing Month, and here in Montgomery County, our manufacturing sector continues to be a cornerstone of the local economy. Our county is home to dozens of manufacturers that provide thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to our community’s prosperity.
Manufacturing connects Montgomery County with the rest of the world by turning local skills and resources into products that move across borders — from airplane parts and automotive components to food ingredients and advanced materials. Every shipment that leaves a plant here carries a piece of Montgomery County’s craftsmanship into the global economy, strengthening trade relationships, supporting local families, and fueling innovation far beyond our borders.
At Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC), we recognize our manufacturers as an integral part of the county’s economic development story. But like many regions, we also understand that challenges remain. Entry-level wages in some roles may not always align with living costs, and workforce development continues to be a focus for long-term sustainability. These aren’t setbacks — they’re opportunities.
By collaborating with local manufacturers, schools, and training programs, MCAC is committed to strengthening our workforce, supporting employee growth, and ensuring the sector thrives for years to come.
“What we hear from MCAC business members is that unfortunately our manufacturers are poaching from one another, which creates workforce shortages and causes employers to chase dollars rather than grow their teams. Talent attraction is key — bringing skilled individuals to Montgomery County helps close that gap,” said Melissa Johnson, MCAC Executive Director.
Montgomery County is fortunate to have two outstanding career and technical education partners:
Both institutions are dedicated to providing customized education and training solutions that align with local business and industry needs.
“Coffeyville Community College is proud to offer several education programs within the manufacturing and trades industry, including Machining & Manufacturing Technology, Automotive Technology, Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology, Construction Technology, Electrical Technology, and Welding Technology,” said Heather Pollet, Vice President for Career & Technical Education.
“In response to local workforce demand, CCC launched three new programs in 2025 — Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing Technology, and Powersports Technology. These programs can be completed in as little as two semesters and offer high-wage, high-demand career options.”
For customized training information, Marla Sterling, CCC’s Director for Workforce Development, can be reached at marla.sterling@coffeyville.edu or 620-252-7540.
"We're helping our local trades and manufacturing industries thrive by training the next generation of professionals," said Matthew Kitrell, Sr. Director for Industry and Employer Engagement at Independence Community College. “Our CTE programs cover everything from Industrial Maintenance and Welding to Business Administration and Web Development. Also, our courses are steered by advice from the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) advisory committees. This bridges the gap between the classroom and the workforce by having industry sector experts advise on the skills and training that employers value most.”
"Also notable is ICC's commitment to advanced manufacturing at our of a fully equipped ICC FabLab, offering trainees and business access to training space and advanced prototyping resources. We aim to ensure our business partners are supported both on the shop floor and in the front office."
For more information about ICC's programs and training, contact Matthew Kittrell, Sr. Director for Industry and Engagement, at mkittrell@indycc.edu or (620) 332-5470.
To further support manufacturers, MCAC offers a resume portal featuring individuals interested in relocating to Montgomery County — available exclusively to our business members. We also partner with local workforce agencies to ensure that manufacturing workforce needs are continually addressed.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient manufacturing community — one that honors our legacy, embraces innovation, and keeps Montgomery County connected to the world.
Acme Foundry
Since 1905, Acme Foundry in Coffeyville, Kansas, has been a leader in American manufacturing. Originally founded as Coffeyville Foundry Company and rebranded in 1914, Acme has expanded from 8,200 square feet to over 300,000 square feet, growing its workforce to more than 300 skilled employees.
Specializing in complex gray iron castings for applications like diesel engines and hydraulic valves, Acme remains dedicated to the prompt service and quality parts established by its founders.
Apache Industries
Apache Industries provides tables and equipment for other manufacturing shops. The local manufacturing industry is stronger with Apache’s presence in Montgomery County. This firm is based in Coffeyville.
Bartlett, a Savage Company
Bartlett, a Savage Company, is establishing a major soybean‐processing facility near Cherryvale in Montgomery County, Kansas. The multi-hundred-million-dollar investment will handle tens of millions of bushels of soybeans annually, producing soybean meal for animal feed, refined soy oil for food, and feedstocks for renewable fuels.
Situated in southeastern Kansas, the project is positioned to stimulate regional agriculture and industry with new jobs, enhanced farm income, and expanded infrastructure.
Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers, LLC
Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers has a 35-acre facility in Montgomery County. It is the only fertilizer facility in North America that utilizes a petroleum coke to produce nitrogen fertilizer. It is a leader in fertilizer production and constantly develops better products and ways to create them.
CVR Energy, Inc.
CVR Energy is a diversified holding company headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, that operates petroleum‐refining and renewable fuels assets — including a major refinery complex located in the region that processes crude oil into transportation fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
If you like, I can pull a more locally focused description mentioning the facility near Independence (or nearby) and its economic impact on the area.
John Deere Coffeyville Works, Inc.
John Deere is one of the most recognizable brands in the world and a leader in farm equipment and machinery. Many Montgomery County residents contribute to the development of these products at the John Deere Coffeyville Works, Inc. facility.
John Deere is a great example of how items produced in Montgomery County support American communities well beyond Kansas's borders.
MPAC Aviation Services, LLC
MPAC Aviation Services LLC is a locally owned aviation service provider based in historic downtown Independence, Kansas. Founded in 2019 by Phillip Fienen, the company specializes in managing the overhaul of fuel, oil, air, and electrical engine accessories through FAA/EASA-approved facilities. With nearly 40 years of experience in the aviation industry, MPAC Aviation Services offers cost-effective solutions by reviewing inspection reports and ensuring customers receive only the necessary repair, overhaul, or upgrade services. The company also provides alternatives to factory-new parts to help keep overhaul costs under control.
MJD Products
MJD Products is a laser-cutting service in Coffeyville. It is strategically based near the Coffeyville Municipal Airport to support businesses that use the airspace or reside in the industrial park.
Nordic Turbine Service
Nordic Turbine Service is a specialized jet engine repair facility located in Independence, Kansas. Founded by Navy veteran Daniel Thorenson, the company focuses on the repair and airworthiness of Pratt & Whitney J52 engines, which are primarily used in the A-4 Skyhawk aircraft. With over 30 years of aviation experience, Thorenson emphasizes precision and cost-effective solutions, ensuring high-quality service within budget.
Parmac
Parmac has a century of manufacturing history, starting in 1916. The company has called Coffeyville home since 1958 and is one of the leading manufacturers of brake technology in the market.
“As the largest water assist brake manufacturer in the world that has been in business for 107 years, Parmac’s product has a strong and respected reputation in the oil and gas industry,” says Steve Blaich, President of Parmac LLC. “Supplying quality assist brakes brings pride to our employees. Parmac has a high employee retention rate with an average of over 30 years with most working to retirement. This is due to Parmac’s job security, competitive benefits, open communication, and atmosphere while working around the personal lives of the employees.”
Parmac Brake takes great pride in every product that leaves its facility because those brakes can save lives.
SEKTAM - Independence
SEKTAM of Independence, Inc. is a precision machining company. The company offers a wide range of services, including the design, engineering, fabrication, and repair of injection and blow molds, custom dies, and 3D-printed parts with installed bushings. Additionally, SEKTAM has expanded into the aerospace industry, providing high-quality custom or production aerospace parts with coating, plating, and full First Article Inspection Report (F.A.I.R.) capabilities.
Spears® Manufacturing
Based in Caney, Spears Manufacturing highlights how many manufacturing firms are small businesses. This company started as a one-machine shop in 1969 and has grown through its strong reputation over the years. Spears is a plastic fabrication company that specializes in PVC and CPVC pipe fittings.
Standard Motor Products
Standard Motor Products is based in Independence and operates in a 357,000-square-foot facility. This company produces a wide variety of automotive electronics and electromechanical tools, including switches, regulators, and ignition parts. Standard Motor Products has been in business for more than 100 years and trades on the New York Stock Exchange.
ST Engineering Hackney
ST Engineering Hackney was founded in 1946 and is based in Independence. The company specializes in durable, long-lasting transport vehicles, with a focus on beverage trucks and trailers. Hackney has an international footprint across 30 countries to accommodate different refrigeration and transport needs.
Tessenderlo Kerley
Tessenderlo Kerley operates in Coffeyville and has its corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. It has more than 520 employees in 23 states and 13 manufacturing plants. The presence of Tessenderlo Kerley in Montgomery County highlights the value this region provides to national firms. Coffeyville is recognized as a valuable manufacturing spot with a strong talent pool to pull from.
Textron Aviation
Textron Aviation is a national firm with a facility in Independence. It specializes in developing parts for Cessna aircraft, including its line of Citation jets and Caravan turboprops. Textron Aviation is based in Wichita but has expanded to Montgomery County.
VSE Aviation
VSE Aviation is a national aerospace company with a major repair and overhaul facility in Independence. The site specializes in servicing and overhauling turbine engine components for business, regional, and military aircraft. Formerly known as Kansas Aviation, the Independence location is part of VSE’s global network providing maintenance, repair, and logistics support for the aviation industry.
