50 Years of Precision: The Enduring Commitment to Quality at JV Manufacturing

Quality has been a part of JV Manufacturing since day one. It is inherent in the way a die sits in a press, the way a line runs without interruption, and the deep trust customers place in every shipment that leaves our floors.

In 1975, when JV Manufacturing opened for business, the goal was simple but ambitious: Build a better carbide die and do it with a level of precision that customers could depend on.

Fifty years later, that original promise still guides us. What has changed is how we deliver on it. Quality has advanced from a standard held in the hands of a few to a commitment that is woven into our people, our technology, and our processes.

Our 50-Year History From Craftsmanship to Precision Leadership

JV Manufacturing officially opened its doors on June 4, 1975, and focused on carbide die design. 

1975: A Foundation in Precision Carbide Die Design

Early work was defined by problem-solving on simple mechanical presses and manual grinding equipment, backed by deep respect for craftsmanship.

Strategic Expansion: Supporting Complex, High-Volume Production

As customers brought more complex parts and high volumes, JV expanded facilities, capacity, and capabilities. Growth moved JV from the original location to a dedicated facility in Freeport, and later to the current headquarters in Natrona Heights. Each move reflected the same story: When customers needed more, JV invested and raised the bar.

How We Deliver Quality: The Evolution of Our Manufacturing Technology

Our commitment to quality has been constant, but the methods we use have fundamentally evolved. The evolution of our manufacturing technology represents a continuous journey of converting expert knowledge and manual skill into measurable, repeatable, and superior results for our customers.

Then: Expertise in Manual Grinding & Analog Presses

In the early years, quality depended on manual setups, experienced hands, and careful checks on our analog equipment. Tooling was ground, polished, and adjusted through a combination of technical skills and intuition. This system relied on human experience to manage variations.

Now: Integrating Advanced CNC, Robotics, AI, and ECM

Today, those same instincts are paired with advanced CNC machining, robotics, and AI-supported systems that improve precision and repeatability while shortening lead times and reducing variation.

Electrochemical machining (ECM) and other specialized processes allow the team to create complex geometries and controlled edge conditions that are difficult to achieve with conventional methods alone. 

These technologies amplify craftsmanship by converting what was used to live only in experience into measurable, repeatable results that customers can trust run after run.

The guiding question for every upgrade is simple. Will this help us deliver better outcomes for our customers? By embracing the future of manufacturing, we ensure that the quality, complexity, and consistency of our products meet the highest demands of modern industry.

Generational Stewardship

JV Manufacturing has always been a family business. The transition from one generation to the next has kept the original values in place while the approach to quality has evolved.

The Vecchi Family Legacy of Stewardship

In 1977, second-generation leader Alan Vecchi joined the company and helped guide JV through major expansions and growing customer demand.

Since taking over leadership in 2020, Ryan and Melissa Vecchi have continued the company's legacy by investing in people, technology, and culture. Their goal is to meet modern production demands while maintaining the company's defining people-first environment.

Our Three Guiding Principles

Across each generational chapter, three principles have remained constant:

• Take care of people
• Do the right thing for customers
• Invest for the long term

These principles are the reason JV can view the last fifty years of business as a starting point, rather than a finish line.

Our Team's Decades of Manufacturing Expertise

Behind every tool built and every stamping run supported are people who take pride in what they do. Many team members have spent decades at JV Manufacturing, turning their time on the floor into a rich base of knowledge for the whole company.

The Knowledge of Our Long-Serving Team

Long-serving employees like John and Dave Campbell, Rob VanTine, Ken Smith, and Ed Olenchak show what this looks like. Their careers include moving from one role to another, teaching others, and finding new ways to improve efficiency and quality.

Some of their proudest moments come when a department becomes the most efficient in the building, when a difficult tooling challenge is solved as a team, or when a customer returns with another complex project because they trust JV to figure it out.

Quality at JV is about tolerances and measurements, but it’s also about how people work together and how they support customers through tight timelines and demanding specifications.

Continuous Improvement & Sustainability Focus

Fifty years ago, success in manufacturing was often measured primarily in throughput and uptime. Today, JV views quality more broadly. Producing a good part is essential, but so is how that part is produced.

Lean Manufacturing in Practice: Reducing Scrap, Rework, and Costs

Lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement projects, and smarter use of resources play a central role in how JV operates. This focus shows up in every area of the business by:

• Reducing scrap and rework with improved process control
  
  
• Improve energy efficiency with equipment upgrades and thoughtful scheduling
  
  
• Streamlining workflows to shorten lead times while maintaining precision

By approaching quality through the lens of sustainability and efficiency, JV helps customers gain more than a reliable part. They also gain a partner that actively works to reduce risk, cost, and environmental impact.

3 Core Lessons in Manufacturing

Reaching a 50-year milestone means gathering lessons about what works, what doesn’t, and what truly matters in manufacturing. As we reflect on our path so far, a few themes stood out:

These lessons guide how we train new team members, how we respond to new challenges, and how we evaluate investments. They help JV adapt without losing the steady core that customers count on.

The Future of Precision is Smart Manufacturing

Manufacturing has changed dramatically over the last fifty years, and the pace of change is accelerating. Smart manufacturing, AI, connected equipment, and data-driven optimization are reshaping production floors and how manufacturers deliver value.

As we look ahead, JV will continue to invest in expanded services, exploring additional technologies, and in our people who continue to solve complex problems for customers in high-demand industries. 

Supporting the Next Generation

Our commitment extends beyond our walls to inspire the next generation of makers. Every year, JV Manufacturing hosts our local Manufacturing Day, providing tours of our JV facilities and fostering collaboration with community businesses. We support student-driven efforts, including the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing awards, to actively showcase the rewarding production careers available in our area.

We’re also committed to an inclusive and representative workforce, supporting initiatives like Women in Manufacturing and other efforts that help build a stronger, more diverse industry for the next generation.

Quality remains the lens for every decision we make at JV Manufacturing. New tools, programs, and partnerships are only valuable if they help us deliver on that commitment.

Our 50-Year Promise: Quality as Legacy and Future

From the original incorporation of JV Manufacturing in 1974 to our 50th anniversary this year, one narrative connects every chapter of our story. Quality is not a slogan. It’s a responsibility.

As we look ahead to the next fifty years, our promise stays the same: We will continue advancing our commitment to quality, invest in the people and technologies that make that possible, and serve as a trusted partner to customers who refuse to compromise on precision. 

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to 50 years of growth, leadership, and continuous progress.

Looking for a manufacturing partner that blends five decades of experience with modern innovation? Connect with JV Manufacturing to discuss your precision tooling needs and learn how our proven expertise can support your next project.