MCMS Exhibitor Spotlight

The Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase features some of the most talented, hardworking, and passionate manufacturers in the industry. These family-owned small businesses value community over commodity, integrity over convenience, and relationships over transactions. Their operations may be local, but they have nationwide reach and world-class capabilities. Each company is built on common sense and commitment to doing things the right way. We are proud to introduce some of this year’s returning exhibitors and learn what they offer and what’s bringing them back.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Specialists

 

Capabilities

- Full-Service Sheet Metal Fabrication

- Capacity for Sheets, Coils, and Rolls

- Precision Cutting, Forming, and Shaping

- Welding and Assembly

- Surface Prep and Finishing

 

What They Had to Say About MCMS 2024

As a multi-generational family-owned and operated sheet metal fabricator in Northern Indiana, Slabaugh Metal Fab came to last year’s Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase searching for a simpler way to network, showcase their capabilities, and make their name known. They were not disappointed.

 

According to Slabaugh, last year’s speakers stood out, providing meaningful information that made sense for their business. “I’ve been to other trade shows where they just brought in motivational speakers, which are nice, but I prefer information I can actually apply. Last year accomplished that,” noted Lamar Schwartz, Sales manager at Slabaugh Metal Fab, who attended both an economics presentation and a sales and marketing session. 

 

The real success, however, came from direct leads and word-of-mouth referrals. “We had a couple leads that panned out. One contact even gave us another customer’s name who wasn’t at the show, and we greatly expanded with that secondary customer,” Slabaugh explained. “It’s not just about leads. It’s about getting your name out there. A positive recommendation from someone you know in the community is way more effective than any marketing you can do.” 

 

Slabaugh Metal Fab is already committed to returning this October. “We’re already kicking around ideas about what to showcase. What we’re trying to sell is our company and our capabilities, and that’s what MCMS gives us the chance to do.”

 

The countdown to MCMS 2025 has begun. Register to attend today and discover the value in real, honest networking.

Full-Service Metal Fabrication Solutions ISO 9001:2015-Certified for Quality https://stellarmetalcomponents.com/  

 

Capabilities

- Custom Engineering Support

- Prototyping & Reverse Engineering

- Laser Cutting

- Welding

- Multi-axis CNC Machining

- Powder Coating & Metal Finishing

 

 Their Take on Last Year’s MCMS 

 

As a platinum sponsor exhibitor at the inaugural MCMS, Stellar Metal Components, a division of Stellar Industries, played an integral role in bringing the event to life with a booth that immediately stood out to attendees and created a space that encouraged conversations. For Stellar, their ISO 9001:2015 certification, and what it stands for, is central to how they approach these opportunities. Every conversation at the Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase was an extension of the same commitment to quality and consistency that drives their metal fabrication operations. 

 

“I know we got a couple of leads from it. They didn’t mature into anything, but we’re happy with all interactions we get that way. Those conversations bring more recognition to our name,” shared Grant Anglemyer of Stellar Industries.

 

Stellar Metal Components' primary focus may have been meeting visitors at the booth, but they also took advantage of the opportunity to learn from other industry experts. Stellar’s Reuben Borkholder found the speakers' presentations both informative and valuable. “I did attend the Fulcrum topic, and then there was also a market analysis guy, and I thought those were great.”

 

While attendance was lower than they had hoped and didn’t generate immediate sales, Stellar found real value in the connections made and remains optimistic about the future of the showcase. “I feel like we got a lot of attention just based on how our booth looked and our positioning, of it all,” Grant said.

 

Stellar Metal Components is investing in more than immediate sales by pairing their ISO-certified processes with continued visibility at the Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase. They are proudly returning as a two-time platinum sponsor because they see the event as a way to strengthen trust, reinforce their quality standards, and position themselves and the Midwest for long-term growth. “It will take a few years to get this organization off the ground. But if we stay persistent, this could be a very good tool for the local economy,” Reuben explained. 

“We know that, and we want to be a part of that.”

 

Register today for the 2025 Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase to discover why others like Stellar Industries are choosing a simpler way of doing honest business.

Custom Woodturning & Specialty Wood Components https://statelinewoodturnings.com/ 

 

Capabilities

- Custom Woodturning & Reverse Engineering

- Specialty Wood Components & Architectural Details

- High-Performance CNC Turning Lathes

- Low-Volume to Mid-Volume Production Runs

- Specializing in Complex & Intricate Woodturnings

 

How Last Year’s MCMS Went For Them

Stateline Woodturnings brought their expertise to the inaugural Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase, and while they didn’t secure immediate sales, the experience proved valuable. 

 

“We networked with people who could turn into opportunities down the line. The setup and organization of the show impressed us, and we see the potential as attendance grows.” 

-Kenny Yoder, Owner, Stateline Woodturnings

 

For exhibitors like Stateline Woodturnings, building visibility and relationships often matters more than immediate results. They know it's a chance to make meaningful connections, gauge market interest, and position themselves in front of the right audience for future growth. 

Impressed by last year’s event, Stateline Woodturnings is already planning to return this October. 

 

“The way everything was set up, the price point, and the professionalism made the decision easy. We’ll be back,” Kenny shared.

Register today for the 2025 Midwest Contract Manufacturers Showcase to discover a simpler way of doing honest business.

Custom Outdoor Kitchen & BBQ Equipment Manufacturer  https://wellspringcomponents.com/

 

Capabilities

- In-House Design & Manufacturing

- Durable Aluminum, Stainless Steel, & HDPE Construction

- Custom Grill Cabinets & Rotisserie Systems

- Multi-Function BBQ Units

 

 Their Take on Last Year’s MCMS 

 

As a fourth-generation manufacturer known throughout the area for crafting high-quality outdoor kitchen systems and innovative BBQ equipment, Wellspring Components came to the MCMS to connect with regional industry leaders and increase visibility in new markets. While the event didn’t produce immediate measurable results, Wellspring valued the quality of conversations and the opportunity to build relationships that could lead to future business.

 

“Trade shows, especially new ones, take time,” said Delmer Yoder, COO & Owner of Wellspring Components. “We’ve seen other local shows start small and grow into something great. MCMS has that potential.”

 

They appreciated the honest effort put into organizing the event and recognized the importance of increasing attendance while keeping a strong base of quality exhibitors. “More people at the show will help keep great vendors there,” he noted, adding that exposure and staying visible are often the most important outcomes.

 

Committed to supporting MCMS, Wellspring Components is ready to return this October. “It’s about building a foundation, and MCMS is on the right path.”

 

Register for the 2025 MCMS today and see why the best Midwest contract manufacturers like Wellspring Components are already signed up.

 

Full-Service Commercial & Marketing Print Shop https://www.goldstarprintingllc.com/ 

 

Capabilities

- Graphic Design

- Product Photography

- Commercial Printing

    - Business Cards

    - Brochures 

    - Post Cards

    - Booklets

- Wide-Format Printing

- Promotional Items

 

How Did Last Year’s MCMS Go For Them?

Gold Star Printing, a custom commercial printing service specializing in promotional and wide-format printing, came to the first Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase looking to grow their regional footprint. What they found was a direct path into new markets that they hadn’t been able to reach before.

“We hadn’t done much business in the Bremen and Nappanee area before,” shared Mark Yoder, Sales Manager of  Gold Star Printing. “But after the show, we started following up, and it picked up tremendously.”

While the team recognized that MCMS was still building its audience as a first-year event, they saw lasting value in the connections made. In-person conversations helped strengthen ties with existing customers and opened doors to new relationships, both of which have continued to develop in the months following the show.

“There’s no doubt it helped us deepen relationships with people we were already working with,” Mark added. “Just being there and talking with them made a big difference.”

Gold Star Printing sees the MCMS as an investment in long-term growth and plans to stay the course as the event gains momentum. 

“You can’t measure the value of something like this off in just one year,” David said. “We’re committed to being part of it as it grows.”

Register today for the 2025 Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase and discover how companies like Gold Star Printing are building lasting local connections. 

Artisan-Crafted Wood Products, Decorative Wood Treatments & Architectural Components  https://www.etchwood.com/ 

 

Capabilities

- Custom High-End Wood Products

- Beams, Textured Plywood, Shelves, and More

- Residential, Commercial, and Beyond

- Vintage & Rustic Textures

- Hand-hewn

- Circular-sawn

- Weathered Wood 

- Multiple Stain & Color Options

 

Here’s What They Had to Say On Last Year’s MCMS

EtchWood, known for its signature vintage and rustic decorative wood treatments, artisan-crafted products, and architectural components, exhibited at the inaugural Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase. They signed up intending to build new connections and walked away with more than just conversations.

 

Though EtchWood serves primarily as a tier-two supplier to the RV and construction industries, they saw real value in the MCMS format. One standout result? A significant order came in directly from a connection made at the show, proving that even peer-to-peer networking opportunities can lead to real business.

 

”We had a good sale come in from the MCMS,” shared Myron, COO of EtchWood. “It actually came through one of the other vendors. That wasn’t something we expected, but it’s exactly the kind of value we’re after.”

 

While the team acknowledges that attendance is still growing, they believe in the vision behind the event. EtchWood is already planning to exhibit again at the 2025 MCMS.

 

“This could be an amazing thing for our community.”

 

Register today for the 2025 Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase to see how local manufacturers like EtchWood are turning collaboration into growth. 

Full-Line Steel & Aluminum Fabrication Provider https://lw-eng.com/

 

Capabilities

- Flat Bed & Tube Laser Cutting

- Forming

- Manual & Robotic Welding

- Cutting & Tube/Extrusion Bending

- Chassis Stretching & Upfitting

- Design & Engineering

- Assembly

- Powder Coat

- CNC Machining

 

Hear What They Have to Say About Their Experience at Last Year’s MCMS

L&W Engineering, a family-owned manufacturer located in Elkhart County, Indiana, showcased their vertically integrated fabrication capabilities at the inaugural Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase and left with more than just leads.

With a strong foothold in the RV industry, L&W is actively expanding into sectors like furniture, marine, agriculture, food processing, and transportation. This makes MCMS an ideal opportunity to connect with OEMs across the country and show them how the Midwest Fabricators are raising the bar.

Despite a lower-than-expected turnout in the first MCMS, L&W found value in the quality of attendees and one-on-one conversations. “It was slower, but that let us spend real time with people. The speakers were excellent, and the setup worked well,” said Trent Kaufman, Vice President of Sales at L&W Engineering. While no deals have closed just yet, MCMS opened doors.

“We’ve had follow-up conversations and quoting opportunities for future projects,” Trent noted. “In this industry, switching suppliers mid-program is rare. But for new work, just being on their radar is a big step forward.”

When asked about the show’s long-term potential, L&W emphasized consistency and outreach. “If you do it every year, people will come to expect it and plan for it. It has real potential if it stays consistent.”

And when asked if they will return and exhibit at the 2025 MCMS:

“Absolutely, yes. We’ll definitely be there.”

Visit their website and remember to register to attend the MCMS to see what L&W Engineering is capable of in person.