Curtis Machine Company Inc. - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Curtis Machine Company Inc., established in 1946 in Dodge City, Kansas, is a respected, privately-held manufacturing firm specializing in the design and production of high-quality gearboxes, gears, and precision machined parts. Operating as a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), the company has grown from humble beginnings to occupy a 56,000 sq. ft. factory. Its core philosophy, "Quality People, Quality Product," underpins a legacy of quality and innovation. Curtis Machine Company Inc. serves a diverse array of industries including military equipment, transportation, material handling, agriculture, petroleum, defense, and food processing, positioning itself as a leading provider of industrial gears and comprehensive gear solutions.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Curtis Machine Company Inc. is strategically focused on being a premier provider of industrial gears and comprehensive gear solutions. Its main business objectives include designing and manufacturing gearboxes, gears, and precision machined parts to meet exact customer specifications. The company aims to consistently minimize costs while delivering high-quality, reliable solutions to its clientele.

Specialization Areas

The company's key areas of expertise encompass a diverse product portfolio, including right-angle bevel, off-angle bevel, and parallel shaft gearboxes, alongside straight bevel, spiral bevel, spur, helical, hypoid, and face gears. A significant unique value proposition is their proprietary "straddle mounted bearings" design for gearboxes, which enhances horsepower capacity, lubrication, symmetry, and compactness, leading to superior torque carrying capacity. They also provide specialized reverse engineering services for gearboxes and gears. Curtis Machine offers both custom gearboxes with specific ratios and a standard product line capable of handling fractional horsepower to over 100,000 lbs. inch of torque, with capabilities for even larger special designs. All products are proudly "Made In The USA."

Target Markets

Curtis Machine Company Inc. primarily targets Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors across the automotive, military, farm, and industrial equipment sectors. They also serve the material handling, agriculture, petroleum, defense, and food processing industries.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Curtis Machine Company Inc. is a privately-held company. Publicly available information regarding its total funds raised, specific funding rounds, or notable investors is not disclosed. Revenue information for the entity based in Dodge City, Kansas, is also not publicly available.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Curtis Machine Company Inc. offers a mature and comprehensive product line developed over decades, with continuous advancements.

Gearboxes: A wide range of gearboxes including right-angle bevel, off-angle bevel, and parallel shaft designs. These are available in a standard line capable of carrying from fractional horsepower to over 100,000 lbs. inch of torque, with capabilities for much larger special designs. They feature the proprietary "straddle mounted bearings" design.

Gears: Production of various types of gears, including straight bevel, spiral bevel, spur, helical, hypoid, and face gears.

Precision Machined Parts: Custom parts manufactured to precise specifications for a variety of industrial applications.

Reverse Engineering Services: Specialization in reverse engineering existing gearboxes and gears to replicate or improve designs.

Model 214 Stainless Steel Spiral Bevel Gearbox: This product exemplifies innovation, featuring a 316 stainless steel housing and caps, specifically designed for corrosive environments. It can incorporate a 140TC motor flange for direct motor connection. This product received the WKMA New Product of the Year Award in 2017, indicating it is a fully developed and recognized offering.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Curtis Machine Company Inc. leverages advanced technological platforms and proprietary designs within its 56,000 sq. ft. factory.

Core Platforms and Technologies: The factory is equipped with state-of-the-art machine tools, including:

A Gleason Phoenix bevel gear generator for high-precision gear manufacturing.

CNC Nakamura-Tome "One Hit" turning centers for efficient single-setup machining.

Advanced CNC turning and milling capabilities, handling blocks up to 7'x4'x3'.

Robotics integration, including a robot feeding two new CNC milling centers, aimed at continuous cost reduction and enhanced efficiency.

Proprietary Developments: A significant proprietary design is the "straddle mounted bearings" for gearboxes. This unique configuration leads to smaller, more symmetrical gearboxes with increased torque carrying capacity compared to competitors. It provides more horsepower capacity per unit, improved lubrication, and enhanced compactness.

Scientific Methodologies: The company employs graduate engineers specialized in the design of mechanical transmission units. They focus on minimizing costs while delivering high-quality solutions. The engineering department utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) for all component parts of a gearbox, significantly reducing design time.

Technical Capabilities: An in-house engineering test laboratory is utilized for rigorous quality control, research, and development of transmissions and integral parts, enabling them to address specialized customer requirements and ensure product integrity. Their extensive product catalog and unique designs represent significant intellectual property developed over decades of operation.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Janie Curtis: CEO and Owner. Ms. Curtis has been with Curtis Machine Company for 39 years. She assumed ownership and the CEO role following the passing of her husband, Stuart Curtis, and has since been instrumental in guiding the company's growth. Her educational background includes degrees from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas, with postgraduate studies in administration. By training, she is a nurse practitioner specialist who has effectively applied her communication skills to the business.

John Curtis: President and Vice President of Manufacturing. Mr. Curtis represents the third generation of the family business. He holds a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering from Kansas State University and a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before joining Curtis Machine, he worked for Entergy at a nuclear power plant. He currently oversees the day-to-day operations at the factory.

Recent Leadership Changes

Janie Curtis became the CEO and owner after the passing of her husband, Stuart Curtis, who had served as the previous President, CEO, and owner. Stuart Curtis, Jr., with his background in engineering, was key in establishing the company's product line and growth trajectory. Subsequently, John Curtis, the son of Janie and Stuart Curtis, assumed the role of President, taking charge of the company's daily operations.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

As of December 2025, the estimated average annual salary for employees at Curtis Machine Company Inc. in the United States is around $71,493, with salaries generally ranging from $62,872 to $81,127 annually. The company's official website does not list any current job vacancies. Curtis Machine Company Inc. prioritizes its employees as its most important resource, fostering a culture that emphasizes job satisfaction. Based in a 56,000 sq. ft. factory in Dodge City, Kansas, the company is recognized as one of the most progressive manufacturing firms in the Midwest, indicating a steady growth trajectory and operational excellence.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Curtis Machine Company Inc. maintains an active digital footprint across several social media platforms, including LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. Links to these profiles are typically found on industry and career-related pages. This presence indicates the company's commitment to maintaining visibility, communicating its brand message, and engaging with its audience, including potential talent and customers.

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