Fighter jets probably aren’t the first (or second, or third) thing that comes to mind when you drive through suburban Wylie, Texas, but it just so happens that a local business plays a very important part in the aerospace industry. Local business Savage Precision Fabrication, Inc. manufactures precision parts for high-performance military aircraft—from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-22 Raptor to the C-130 Hercules (and the list doesn’t stop there).
Located in an 80,000 square foot facility tucked neatly away between several large neighborhoods, Savage Precision Fabrication employs around 45 people and operates under the leadership of Jo Ann Gardner. The business has been around for decades, dating back to 1973, when W.T. Gardner began making parts in his garage on the side. He was employed at Texas Instruments at the time, but as the demand for his work grew, so did his side gig—and he was soon making jet parts full-time.
The business moved from its garage in Garland to Wylie in 1975, but the business traces back to 1973, when W.T. Gardner began making parts in his garage as a side project while working at Texas Instruments. An engineer at TI recognized W.T.’s handiness with machines, and asked him to create a prototype of a small part. Over the next couple of years, his side gig grew, and he left TI to launch his own full-time manufacturing business.
Because of its defense and aerospace contracts, it was designated an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Jo Ann puts it, “Savage is an essential business. There was no down time.” Despite supply issues, the company kept operating at full capacity.
Manufacturing fighter jet parts for the government comes with strict regulations and oversight. All the metal and assorted parts that are used in the manufacturing process must be certified “made in the USA” before they can be used on the government contracts, adding another level of certifications and quality control. The entire process is carefully monitored and regulated, from sourcing supplies, to part creation and painting, through final quality control checks.
The end product? A tiny piece that might look inconsequential—but plays an important role in getting military aircraft off the ground. When asked what she loves most about her work, Jo Ann says, “It’s knowing that in a small way we are helping keep America safe by supporting the aerospace industry.”
Read the full story about Savage Precision Fabrication here.