Episode #23: How to Get Aerospace Work for Your Machine Shop (Certification, Margins & Strategy)

The Truth About Aerospace Work for Machine Shops

Aerospace manufacturing is often seen as the ultimate growth opportunity for machine shops. Higher margins, better customers, and long-term contracts.

But here’s the reality:

Aerospace isn’t just another industry. It’s a completely different way of running your shop.

In this episode of the Machine Shop Growth Podcast, Mike Fritz sits down with Dan Echternkamp of AeroGrowth to break down how machine shops can actually get into aerospace and defense work without overcomplicating the process or making costly mistakes.

We cover:

• How to get aerospace work for your machine shop
• Whether you really need AS9100 certification to start
• Why can many shops enter aerospace industry without 5-axis machining
• The difference between aerospace vs OEM margins
• How to build relationships with aerospace companies
• The importance of GD&T, inspection, and documentation
• Why cash flow (not capability) is the biggest risk
• How to grow into aerospace without overbuilding your business

If you’re a machine shop owner, operator, or manufacturing leader looking to grow your business, increase margins, and break into aerospace machining or defense manufacturing, this episode gives you a clear and practical starting point.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to position your shop for higher-value work.