Collaboration Over Competition: Strengthening the Kansas City Manufacturing Community with KC NTMA
The manufacturing industry has always been built on craftsmanship and a shared commitment to doing things the right way. Here at KCSP Machine, our connection to the Kansas City chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) plays a meaningful role in how we stay informed and engaged in the Kansas City manufacturing community that we’re proud to be part of.
Our Growing Involvement with KC NTMA
KCSP Machine’s owner, Brandon Worrell, completed his first year on the KC NTMA board at the end of 2025 and is currently in his second year serving the organization. Being part of the board has been both exciting and rewarding for him, offering a firsthand look into the decision-making that guides and grows the chapter.
The board itself is made up of highly professional, engaged members who genuinely believe in NTMA’s mission. That shared sense of purpose has made the experience overwhelmingly positive for Brandon.
With Katherine O’Toole as Executive Director, bringing boundless energy and enthusiasm, the chapter continues to gain momentum. (In addition to leading the Kansas City chapter, Katherine spearheads the She Leads program, which focuses on empowering women in the Kansas City manufacturing network. KCSP Machine is proud to have one of our own team members involved in this program.)
Building Connections That Matter
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Brandon’s board experience has been the opportunity to talk with peers about the organization, promoting NTMA’s value and helping recruit new members. Seeing manufacturers join NTMA and then actively participate and gain value from the organization has been especially rewarding.
These conversations reinforce one of the core sentiments we believe to be true about our Kansas City manufacturing network: people genuinely want to help each other succeed.
Highlights from Brandon’s First Year
Brandon’s first year on the board included several standout events that showcased the strength of the KC NTMA community.
Collaboration across Missouri
A joint event with the St. Louis NTMA chapter, hosted here in Kansas City, brought members together for shop tours and educational talks. It was a great opportunity to connect with another Missouri machine shop community. And the collaboration will continue this year, as KC NTMA members head to St. Louis!
Engaging the next generation
Events like Bots KC, where Brandon served as a referee, are not only fun, but they also get manufacturing professionals collaborating with local teens, highlighting the technical skill and innovation within our industry.
Involvement in a major expo
KC NTMA also co-hosted the KC Manufacturing Expo and Conference, which featured 60 exhibitors and breakout sessions led by industry experts. This event also marked KCSP Machine’s first opportunity to exhibit, meet new prospects, and share our story as an evolving Kansas City machine shop. It also gave Brandon a chance to encourage NTMA membership and highlight the benefits of being part of this vibrant network.
A Supportive Manufacturing Community
KCSP Machine initially joined NTMA to connect with others offering similar precision machining services. Members openly celebrate each other’s wins and support one another during challenges.
The Kansas City chapter is extremely supportive, offering advice based on similar experiences. Members regularly help each other by subcontracting work and stepping in when needed. In one instance, when a competitor’s saw went down, KCSP Machine invited them to use our saw while repairs were underway. That’s the mindset with this community: we’re all navigating similar pressures, and we’re all in this together.
KCSP Machine also gains immense insight from touring other members’ shops. Viewing these facilities often sparks new ideas for ours, clueing us in to processes and technologies that can lead to improvements we can bring back to our own operation.
The chapter now includes over 50 members and continues to grow, united by a common goal of strengthening Kansas City manufacturing as a whole.
Our Involvement Isn’t Just for Us; It’s for Our Customers
Our involvement with KC NTMA directly benefits our customers. A strong professional network makes us a better partner, offering us access to support and insight when challenges arise.
Additionally, if a project requires capabilities beyond our scope, we can confidently provide referrals or collaborate with trusted shops. That allows us to deliver turnkey solutions while maintaining the quality and responsiveness our customers expect.
As active members of KC NTMA, we’re proud to help build a stronger future for our customers and for the Kansas City manufacturing landscape.
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