Production Saw and Machine was founded in 1975 with a clear purpose: to fill a gap in the Jackson, Michigan manufacturing community.

Local OEMs and machine shops needed a reliable partner, one capable of delivering precision saw-cut and machined components on time, every time. What began as a focused solution to a regional need has grown into a highly automated production operation built on efficiency, consistency, and long-term thinking.

Watch the full testimonial from Production Saw and Machine Executive Vice President Greg Vancalbergh.

That mindset has shaped the company’s approach to equipment investment from the very beginning. When Production Saw and Machine began exploring ways to increase output without adding labor, Muratec quickly stood out.

“We chose our first Muratec machine because we needed higher throughput without increasing labor,” said Greg Vancalbergh, executive vice president. “Muratec’s twin-spindle, twin-turret platform gave us the ability to machine complete parts in one cycle while dramatically reducing handling and cycle time.”

Muratec USA Customer Since 1994

The company’s first Muratec machine, a MW120 purchased in 1994, was put to work on a high-volume, tight-tolerance bearing race. It marked a turning point.

“We needed to consolidate operations, reduce part handling, and increase output per shift,” Vancalbergh said. “The Muratec platform allowed us to machine the part complete in one cycle, which transformed the economics of that job.”

As production demands increased, so did the challenges. Labor constraints, tighter lead times, and growing margin pressure forced Production Saw and Machine to rethink how work moved through the shop. Muratec’s integrated automation helped resolve those pressures by simplifying workflows and increasing efficiency at every stage.

“Completing parts in one setup, reducing cycle time, and increasing spindle uptime allowed us to scale production without scaling headcount at the same rate,” Vancalbergh explained.

62 Muratec CNC lathes with integrated automation run at Production Saw and Machine, including dozens of MW200s.

Over time, the company continued to invest in Muratec platforms, and the benefits became clear. Throughput increased, costs per part decreased, and delivery performance improved. Standardizing on a consistent platform also streamlined training, tooling, and maintenance.

“That consistency reduced internal friction and improved operational discipline,” Vancalbergh said.

Evolving to Meet Customer Expectations

Today, Production Saw and Machine looks very different than it did even a decade ago. The company has evolved from a traditional machining operation into a highly automated production environment, driven by changing customer expectations.

“Customers want shorter lead times, stable pricing, zero defects, and real-time communication,” Vancalbergh said. “Our investment in automation—especially Muratec platforms—has allowed us to stay competitive while increasing capacity and improving repeatability.”

That evolution has been supported not only by the machines themselves, but also by the partnership behind them.

“When you’re running high-volume production, downtime isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a disruption to the entire system,” Vancalbergh said. “Muratec understands that. The reliability of the equipment and the responsiveness of the support both stand out. They operate with a production mindset, which aligns with how we think.”

The Corvette Project

One project in particular highlights what that combination of precision and automation can achieve. Production Saw and Machine produced a double-row Poly Vee pulley for the LS7 Corvette engine—an application that required tight tolerances, excellent surface finish, and absolute consistency at scale.

“We were able to consolidate multiple operations and complete the part in a single cycle,” Vancalbergh said. “Being able to run a critical engine component for a high-performance Corvette with that level of confidence really demonstrates what these machines are built for.”

Muratec’s design and engineering play a key role in enabling that kind of performance. Features such as twin-spindle, twin-turret configurations, true part-complete machining, automation integration, and strong thermal stability all contribute to high uptime and efficient production in a compact footprint.

Staying Focused on Automation

As the industry continues to evolve, expectations are only increasing. Customers demand speed and predictability, while workforce availability remains tight. For manufacturers, that means finding ways to run longer, more autonomously, and with fewer interruptions.

“Speed and flexibility are no longer advantages—they’re requirements,” Vancalbergh said.

Carts full of tools are prepped daily for tool changes in Muratec machines at Production Saw.

Despite advances in technology, the industry still faces ongoing challenges. Skilled labor shortages, material price volatility, tighter tolerances, and margin pressure all remain top concerns. Many companies struggle to bridge the gap between traditional machining and fully realized production-level automation.

Production Saw and Machine has stayed focused by targeting the kind of work that benefits most from their approach: high-volume, repeat production components where process optimization drives long-term value.

“We focus on parts that benefit from cycle time reduction, operation consolidation, automation, and stable scheduling,” Vancalbergh said. “That allows us to invest strategically in equipment like Muratec platforms that excel in repeat production.”

That long-term perspective also shapes how the company evaluates new equipment. Too often, Vancalbergh says, manufacturers focus on peak capability or upfront purchase price instead of total production value.

“The right machine isn’t the most complex—it’s the one that produces the lowest cost per part over time,” he said.

Muratec Continues to Deliver for Production Saw

For Production Saw and Machine, Muratec machines have consistently delivered on that promise.

“They’ve exceeded expectations in uptime reliability, consistency across multiple machines, and the ability to scale production,” Vancalbergh said. “They perform the way production equipment should—predictably and repeatably.”

On the shop floor, that performance translates into a streamlined, highly efficient process. Parts are machined complete in a single cycle, transferred automatically between spindles, and exit the machine finished with minimal handling and optimized cycle times.

“That system allows us to deliver high-volume precision parts competitively while maintaining tight tolerances and consistent quality,” Vancalbergh said.

From its founding in 1975 to its current state as a modern, automated production facility, Production Saw & Machine’s story is one of continuous evolution. At every stage, the company has focused on improving efficiency, reducing friction, and delivering reliable results—driven in large part by the capabilities of its Muratec machines and a shared commitment to production excellence.

Have you been considering adding automation to your shop floor? Contact Muratec USA today to get started.