An Introduction to Modern Machine Shop's Top Shops Program

“How does my business compare to other, similar businesses?” is the central question we set out to ask 10 years ago with our first Top Shops benchmarking survey. We’re still answering that question. However, the program has evolved over the years to include an honor given annually to distinctive shops and even a series of events. Here is a brief look at Modern Machine Shop’s “Top Shops" and what it means to us today:

First, benchmarking. The most recent annual survey brought in responses from nearly 300 North American CNC machining businesses. We use the data to score each shop according to select, weighted metrics. A high score indicates high overall performance four categories: machining technology; shopfloor practices and performance; business strategy and performance; and human resources. Those scoring in the top 20^th percentile are deemed “Top Shops.”

These surveys always have offered more than just a measure of performance. The data also reveal what characteristics generally define top performers. To name a few examples, the upper echelon of machining businesses are more likely to offer bonus programs for employees, adopt five-axis machining technology, and use software for scheduling work.

However, much has changed. In fact, the reports issued to each survey-taker now are almost unrecognizable to anyone who has not participated since before 2018. Rather than table after table of numbers, reports are graphical and tailor-made for each individual shop. Comparisons of specific metrics, such as spindle or capacity utilization, can be made at a glance.

The evolution of the survey aside, Top Shops has also become more than a benchmarking program. As depicted in the surrounding images, it is also an experience.  It is regular webinars that present key insights from the data. It is also a community of shops, technology suppliers, distributors and more. Recent interest in our data from state governments suggests it might even be a tool for broader economic development. Finally, Top Shops is editorial pieces like this one, which serve to educate the industry about what we do aside from publishing articles and, ideally, spur more North American CNC machining business to act.  

By “we,” I mean not just MMS, but our publisher Gardner Business Media, and specifically, Gardner Intelligence, the team behind the data analysis that provides the insight behind the data and reports on its findings.

We also cover the program’s participants, particularly the four Honors program winners. For example, 2020’s machining technology winner, Advanced Precision Engineering in Ipswich, Massachusetts, stands out for the breadth of the equipment on the shop floor as well as the extent of its recent investments. In Livermore, California, Pacon Mfg, Inc. uses technology to drive a lean manufacturing process. Tier One Machining and Assembly in Newtown, Connecticut, is notable for a shop culture that earned it the human resources win, while Rimeco Products in Willoughby, Ohio, won the business strategy category for carving a market niche and bringing its own products to market.

Of course, all four of these shops stand out in all four categories, as does any shop deemed a Top Shop. Likewise, any Top Shop likely has something to teach. We aim to continue bringing you those insights from survey participants who are willing to testify about their success. We will also continue to report on the insights that Gardner Intelligence, the business unit of Modern Machine Shop Publisher Gardner Business Media that is responsible for analyzing the data, will continue to bring in years to come.