You've probably heard the name. Maybe you saw it on a vendor list for a major aerospace contract, or perhaps you're just trying to figure out why everyone in the Georgia manufacturing scene keeps bringing them up. Honestly, there is a lot of noise out there about Precision Machine of Savannah. Some folks think they're just another local job shop. Others treat them like some mysterious, high-security fortress that only builds parts for fighter jets.
The truth is a lot more interesting. It's basically a classic "American Dream" story that evolved into a high-tech powerhouse.
Back in 1988, Hugh Kesler started this whole thing in his backyard. No joke. Just a guy, a Bridgeport milling machine, and a lathe. Today? It is a 60,000-square-foot beast of a facility sitting on 15 acres. We are talking about a massive jump from "garage hobbyist" to a critical pillar of the "Aerospace Corridor" of the Southeast.
Why Precision Machine of Savannah Actually Matters
If you aren't in the industry, "precision machining" sounds like a generic term. It isn't. When you're making a part for an aircraft engine or a satellite, "close enough" is how people get hurt. Precision Machine of Savannah (often just called PMS by the locals) doesn't just cut metal; they live in the world of tight tolerances.
We are talking about microns.
The company has essentially tied its fate to the aerospace and defense sectors, which are notoriously difficult to break into. Why? Because you need certifications like AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015. You can't just tell a company like Gulfstream, "Trust us, we're good." You have to prove it every single day with documented quality management systems.
Savannah is a weirdly perfect spot for this. It is home to Gulfstream Aerospace, but it’s also a stone's throw from Boeing in Charleston and Embraer in Jacksonville. PMS positioned themselves right in the middle of that gravity well.
It's Not Just About the Machines
People love to geek out over the hardware. And yeah, the hardware at Precision Machine of Savannah is impressive. They run a lot of Okuma gear—specifically those 5-axis machines like the Okuma 4000 Trunnion and the massive SNK HP-120B. 5-axis machining is kinda the "holy grail" for complex parts because the machine can move the tool and the part on five different axes simultaneously.
This means they can carve out shapes that would be literally impossible on a standard 3-axis mill.
But machines don't run themselves. Not yet, anyway. The shop employs about 80 people, ranging from veteran machinists who can feel a vibration in the floor and tell you the tool is dull, to young engineers fresh out of programs like Savannah Technical College.
- Materials: They aren't just doing aluminum. They work with titanium, Inconel, 2205 Duplex Stainless, and various tool steels.
- Secondary Ops: They actually started a sister company, Precision Protective Coatings, right next door. This was a smart move. It allows them to do NADCAP-approved processing and coatings in-house, which cuts down lead times significantly.
- Testing: Pressure testing, flow testing, and sealant curing happen on-site.
The Misconception About "Local" Shops
A common mistake is grouping Precision Machine of Savannah with every other machine shop in Georgia. Look, there are plenty of great shops in the area—SGA Precision Machine over in St. Mary’s or the various fabricators in Atlanta. But PMS has specialized. They aren't the guys you go to for a one-off bracket for your lawnmower.
They are a "contract manufacturer."
This means they handle complex assemblies and kitting. They take a pile of blueprints and deliver a finished, inspected, and often assembled component that is ready to be bolted onto an airplane. That level of vertical integration is what separates the big players from the small ones.
Honestly, the regional growth is fueling this. With the Hyundai Metaplant coming online and the general explosion of advanced manufacturing in Bryan and Effingham counties, the demand for high-tier machining is skyrocketing.
What You Need to Know Before Reaching Out
If you're an engineer or a procurement officer looking at Precision Machine of Savannah, don't just send a napkin sketch. While some shops might work with you on the fly, these guys are geared for serious production.
- Bring the CAD: They use Catia for 3D modeling, Mastercam for programming, and Vericut for simulation. If you have a STEP or IGES file, you're already ahead of the game.
- Think About Scale: While they can do prototypes, their sweet spot is often where complexity meets volume.
- Quality is Non-Negotiable: Their inspection lab uses PC-DMIS with Direct CAD Interface. They aren't just measuring with calipers; they are verifying your part against the digital model in real-time.
The Future of Savannah's Machining Landscape
The industry is changing. We are seeing more automation and "lights out" manufacturing where machines run through the night with minimal supervision. PMS has stayed ahead of this by investing in high-speed spindles and large tool magazines—some of their machines hold over 120 tools.
It’s a far cry from Hugh Kesler’s backyard.
Whether you’re a student looking to get into the trade or a business looking for a reliable Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier, understanding the specific niche Precision Machine of Savannah occupies is key. They are a core part of why Georgia is becoming a legitimate rival to traditional manufacturing hubs in the Midwest.
If you need to verify their current capabilities or request a quote for an aerospace-grade project, your best bet is to reach out directly through their Telfair Place facility. They typically operate during standard first-shift hours, but the shop floor is often humming long after the office lights go out.
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To get the best results for a new project, ensure your technical data package (TDP) is complete with both 3D models and 2D drawings that clearly define your critical-to-quality (CTQ) dimensions. This streamlines the quoting process and helps their engineering team identify potential manufacturability issues before the first chip is even cut.