Ray Byford began Byford Machine-Tool, Inc. as a small machine shop in Waco, Texas in 1956. Since the beginning, the reputation of the company has always been “Quality and Service.” Although the company has changed hands over the years, each set of owners has built upon the foundation laid by Mr. Byford and his original partners.
In 1964, Byford Machine-Tool moved to its present location between the towns of Valley Mills and Clifton, Texas. The property was an old oil pumping station that was vacant and available for lease at the time.
In 1989, a new office building was constructed for Byford Machine-Tool followed by a new modern shop facility in 1990. A new addition to the shop was later added in 1997, completing the present-day facility.
Over the years, Byford has evolved from fabrication, stamping and conventional machining to primarily CNC mill and lathe production work.
Byford Machine-Tool, Inc. prides itself on its customer service and quality today, just as it did in 1956.
The Team at Byford Machine-Tool, Inc.
John Erickson, President & CEO
John has been with Byford since 1988 and has covered many duties over the years including accounting, finance, purchasing, sales and general management of the company. John was a minority owner and General Manager of Byford from 1993 until 2015, when he purchased the remainder of the business to become the current owner and CEO of Byford Machine Tool, Inc.
Chris Connell, Outside sales
Chris joined Byford in June of 2021 as our outside sales representative. Chris has proven to be a great advocate for the customer, willing to go above and beyond to meet their needs of production.
Rachel Schmidt, Customer Service Manager
Rachel began her career at Byford Machine-Tool in 1989 as our receptionist and administrative assistant. Over the years she has taken over our customer service, inside sales and order entry. Plain and simple, Rachel takes care of our customers.
Kevin Erickson, Accounting & Finance
Kevin joined Byford Machine-Tool in 2019 and serves as our in-house CPA. Having graduated with his Masters in Accounting in 2017, he brings new processes and strategies to our growing business.
Lucy Santillan, Shipping & Receiving
Lucy joined the Byford Machine-Tool team in 2017, and is our go-to source for receiving and shipping out our material and products.
Susan Anderson, HR & AR
Susan joined us in 1998 and serves Byford as our receptionist, handles most of our HR and also takes care of our Invoicing and AR.
Marc Jermstad, Manufacturing Manager
Marc joined Byford Machine-Tool in 1997 as a mill operator, and has been rising in the ranks ever since. Marc was promoted to Manufacturing Manager in July 2021 after many years leading our milling department.
Mark Lehman, Quality Manager
Mark has extensive experience in manufacturing and quality systems. He has been our Quality Manager since 2010 and has been instrumental in ensuring that our customers’ parts are of the highest quality and that all material used meets customers’ specifications.
Ray Vulgamore, Machine Programming Specialist
Ray joined Byford Machine-Tool in 2017 as our Machine Programming Specialist. He brings valuable knowledge and expertise by improving machine operations, quoting new parts and building programs to satisfy customer needs.
Mission Statement
The Mission of Byford Machine-Tool, Inc. is to profitably manufacture quality products that are in demand, thereby linking together customers, employees, owners and vendors in a mutually satisfying arrangement. BMT will promote a safe, challenging work opportunity for employees where they may progress and prosper as their demonstrated ability allows. Management shall strive to promote an environment of mutual trust, honesty and integrity so that all employees shall be an integral part of the company.