2026-08-11
Building a successful machining company from scratch takes hard work, determination and, sometimes, nerves of steel. The story of Paul Singley and Charlie Gillis, owners of AMI Machining in Plymouth County, MA, is a great example.
Paul laid the foundations for AMI in 1993 out of necessity when his employer cut steady overtime. He bought an old knee-type mill for $1,200, set to work in his 12 ft × 24 ft barn, and paid for the machine within three or four months. By 1997 he needed more space, and a guaranteed 40 hours a week from Extrusion Technology let him and Charlie invest in new machinery.
Everyone said they should buy Japanese machines, but they couldn't afford them. Instead they bought an affordable CNC machine they saw at a tool show in New Hampshire — and expected it to last no more than five years. That was 14 years ago, and AMI still uses that first machine every day. "It's not as fast as the new machines, but it is just as dependable, and still holding tolerances," says Paul.
Today AMI (ISO 9001:2008 registered) specializes in rapid prototyping and precision machining parts, including complex 5-axis work using trunnion rotary tables. Its customers include Haemonetics, Extrusion Technology, and clients in the semiconductor, electronics, industrial, aerospace and defense industries.
The key lesson: the best machine is not necessarily the most expensive — it is the one that is dependable, easy to maintain and supports your business as it grows. LT is ready to help you choose the right machine for your budget and production line.