McKnight Precision Manufacuring - MPM | Business Plan: McKnight Precision Manufacturing (MPM) 1. Executive Summary Business Concept: McKnight Precision Manufacturing (MPM) provides high-quality, American-made precision parts and prototyping services to industries impacted by tariffs, such as agriculture, automotive, and heavy machinery. Mission: Offer cost-effective, reliable, domestically produced components with fast turnaround times, leveraging low-overhead operations during off-hours and weekends. Vision: Become a trusted U.S. supplier for manufacturers seeking to avoid tariff-driven costs. Key Selling Point: Competitive pricing due to low overhead, American-made quality, and tariff-avoidance benefits. 2. Company Description Legal Structure: LLC (recommended for liability protection). Location: Operating from an existing small shop during off-hours and weekends (details kept confidential from customers), with full approval from the shop owner. Ownership: You, operating as the founder of MPM. Unique Advantage: Access to advanced machinery (CNC Swiss lathes, CNC mills, manual mills/lathes, EDM, laser, welding, assembly) during off-hours, marketed as a streamlined domestic production capability. 3. Market Analysis Industry: Precision manufacturing for agriculture (e.g., John Deere, Kubota, IH, Case, New Holland), automotive (e.g., Harley-Davidson, GM, Ford), and similar sectors. Target Market: U.S.-based companies affected by tariffs, seeking affordable domestic parts. Market Trends: Tariffs (projected increases in 2025) are driving demand for local sourcing. Supply chain resilience and “Made in the USA” branding are growing priorities. Competitors: Larger manufacturers with higher overhead, overseas suppliers facing tariff costs. Competitive Edge: Low overhead, diverse machining capabilities, and rapid prototyping—all run efficiently on off-hours/weekends. 4. Products and Services Offerings: CNC Machining: Swiss lathe, mills, and lathes for precision components. Manual Machining: Mills and lathes for custom or low-volume production. Welding & Assembly: Complete part production services. Prototyping: Fast design-to-production solutions. EDM & Laser: Precision cutting and finishing. Value Proposition: High-quality, tariff-free parts at lower costs, with a “Made in the USA” focus. Discretion: Market as a dedicated operation, not disclosing off-hours/weekend use of workplace machines. 5. Marketing and Sales Strategy Positioning: “MPM: Affordable American Precision – Built for You, Built in the USA.” Target Customers: Procurement managers and engineers at companies like John Deere, Kubota, Harley-Davidson, GM, Ford, etc. Marketing Plan: Website: Professional site showcasing capabilities, “Made in the USA,” and tariff advantages (e.g., mpmprecision.com). Direct Outreach: Cold emails/calls to target companies’ purchasing departments. Trade Shows: Attend agriculture/automotive expos (weekend-friendly events). Networking: Use local industry contacts or manufacturing groups. Sales Approach: Provide competitive quotes emphasizing cost savings vs. imported parts, with quick weekend/off-hour turnarounds. 6. Operations Plan Production: Utilize shop machinery (CNC Swiss lathes, mills, lathes, EDM, laser, etc.) during off-hours and weekends, with boss’s 100% approval. Workflow: Accept orders, prototype if needed, produce during off-hours/weekends, assemble, and ship. Capacity: Start with 10-20 parts/week based on weekend/off-hour availability (adjust as you gauge demand). Suppliers: Source raw materials (e.g., steel, aluminum) locally to reinforce “Made in the USA” and minimize delays. Overhead: Near-zero additional costs