General Tool Company

🔎At a Glance

Company Name: General Tool Company (GTC)
Location: Reading, Ohio
Shop Type: Large Contract Manufacturer
Industries Served: Aerospace, Defense, Advanced Manufacturing
Typical Work: Prototype through long-term production programs
Machining Capabilities: 3-Axis, 4-Axis, 5-Axis Milling • Horizontal & Vertical Machining • Large-Part Machining • CNC Turning • Vertical Turning
Materials: Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, Titanium, Inconel, Hastelloy, CFRP Composites
Certifications: AS9100 / ISO aerospace quality standards
Shift Environment: Multiple shifts including nights (with premium differential)

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About General Tool Company

General Tool Company (GTC) is a highly capable contract manufacturer located in Reading, Ohio, supporting mission-critical aerospace and defense programs. The shop specializes in complex, large-scale precision machining — particularly parts made from hard-to-cut superalloys and advanced materials.

GTC has built a reputation for technical excellence, dependable service, and on-time delivery by combining highly skilled machinists with one of the most diverse machine fleets in the country. Their facility features numerous multi-axis machines capable of producing complex geometries and maintaining volumetric accuracy on large components.

Customers rely on GTC for everything from urgent prototypes and first articles to long-term production work, where process discipline and repeatability are essential.

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The Work You’ll Be Doing

Machinists at GTC work on challenging, high-value components used in aerospace and defense systems.

Part Types: Large precision components, structural aerospace parts, complex multi-axis features
Production Style: Prototype, first article, and ongoing production programs
Typical Tolerances: Tight tolerances with emphasis on dimensional accuracy and surface integrity
Programming & Setup: Setup-intensive work with machine-level program adjustments; collaboration with engineering and programming teams
Materials Machined: Titanium, Inconel, Hastelloy, stainless steel, alloy steels, composites

Work often involves parts where heat control, distortion management, and complex toolpaths are critical to success.

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Machining Capabilities

• CNC Milling (3-Axis, 4-Axis, 5-Axis)
• Horizontal and Vertical Machining
• Large-Part Gantry Machining
• CNC Turning and Vertical Turning (VTL)
• Multi-Axis Contouring and Complex Surfaces
• Prototype through Production Manufacturing
• Build-to-Print Aerospace Components

GTC is particularly known for its expertise in five-axis machining for aerodynamic surfaces and complex hole patterns.

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CNC Equipment

GTC operates an extensive fleet of large, high-power CNC machines capable of handling heavy workpieces.

Multi-Axis & Large Machines

• 13 CNC 5-Axis Machines (up to ~10 m X-axis travel)
• Large Gantry Machines
• Floor-Type and Table-Type Machines

CNC Horizontal & Vertical Machining

• 5 CNC Horizontal Boring Mills (HBMs)
• 5 CNC Horizontal Machining Centers with Pallet Changers
• Universal Milling Machines with indexing capability

CNC Turning

• 10 CNC Vertical Turning Lathes (up to ~4 m swing)
• 5-Axis Horizontal Lathes with Y and B axes

Many machines feature high-power spindles, rotary tables, probing systems, and pallet systems to support efficient production.

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Software & Programming

CAM & Programming Software:

• Siemens NX (Unigraphics)
• SolidWorks
• ICAM
• SurfCam

Inspection & Measurement Software:

• PC-DMIS
• Renishaw Productivity Plus
• Origin Checkmate

Simulation tools are used extensively to verify machining processes and reduce risk before parts reach the machine.

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Quality, Inspection & Certifications

GTC maintains a rigorous quality management system designed to meet aerospace and defense requirements.

Certifications:

• AS9100 / ISO aerospace standards

Inspection Equipment:

• Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) with large work zones
• Portable measuring arms
• Laser trackers for large components

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):

• Liquid penetrant inspection
• Radiography
• Magnetic particle inspection

Quality Processes:

• In-process inspection
• Data-driven process improvement
• Full traceability and documentation
• Workpiece marking services

These capabilities allow GTC to verify both parts and processes — critical for safety-critical applications.

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Why Machinists Choose to Work at GTC

Machinists at General Tool Company value:

• Work on meaningful aerospace and defense projects
• One of the best-equipped large-part machining facilities in the U.S.
• Stable long-term programs
• Experienced team with strong tenure (average ~10 years)
• Competitive compensation with significant night shift premium
• Quarterly bonuses and profit sharing
• 100% tuition reimbursement
• Relocation assistance opportunities
• Employee ownership program (“Ownership For All”)

GTC emphasizes a professional environment where skilled tradespeople can build long-term careers — not just short-term jobs.

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Open CNC Machinist Jobs

General Tool Company is currently hiring for roles such as:

• CNC Machinists (Multi-Axis Milling & Turning)

👉 View current CNC machining jobs at General Tool Company