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Beating the Odds: CPC’s Journey of Excellence in Aerospace, Space, and Defense

January 21, 2025

A professional illustration of a person standing on a mountain peak, holding a telescope to their eye and gazing toward the horizon.

It is estimated that approximately seventy percent of family-owned businesses fail to transition to the next generation. At CPC, we are proud to be an exception to this statistic. Our story is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to both people and progress. Guided by the mission “to be a blessing,” we have navigated challenges and embraced opportunities, staying true to the values that define us.

In this article, we reflect on our journey, where we stand today, and the vision that propels us forward in precision machining for the aerospace, space, and defense industries.

A Strong Foundation: The Beginning of CPC

John Stone, founder of CPC, focused on work at his office desk.
John Stone, founder of CPC, focused on work at his office desk.

CPC’s story began in 1967, when founders John and Janet Stone turned entrepreneurial ambition into reality. With a background in sales, John decided to leave his job to start a distribution company. However, his vision didn’t stop there. Driven by a desire to ensure his customer’s received the best quality they could, John shifted CPC’s focus from distribution to manufacturing. This decision was a testament to John’s commitment to meet and exceed customer needs—an ethos that remains with us today.

Today, this dedication remains central to who we are. Over the years, our capabilities have grown, and our focus on quality and reliability has earned us nine Gold Boeing Performance Excellence Awards (BPEA) and other accolades. These milestones underscore our unwavering focus on delivering exceptional outcomes for our customers.

Navigating Challenges: Where We Are Now

In 2020, CPC successfully transitioned to its next generation of leadership, navigating a particularly challenging period for the aerospace industry. Faced with the dual crises of the 737 MAX grounding and the COVID-19 pandemic, we relied on careful financial stewardship and strategic planning to persevere.

Rather than retreating, we embraced this time to refine our strategies and invest in the future. Initiatives included modernizing our IT infrastructure with the ProShop ERP system and preparing for a CMMC Level 2 certification. These efforts are part of our long-term vision to enhance our capabilities and better serve the aerospace, space, and defense sectors.

Looking Ahead: CPC’s Vision for Growth

As we look to the future, our focus remains on fostering opportunities for our customers and our team. For our customers, this means being a partner they can depend on for transparency, quality, and value. For our employees, this means creating pathways for professional development and growth.

A key milestone in our journey is our upcoming CMMC Level 2 certification, with assessment scheduled for March. This certification is a significant step forward, reflecting our dedication to meeting stringent cybersecurity standards essential for aerospace and defense manufacturing. Achieving this certification positions us to take on more complex and critical projects, reinforcing our role as a trusted supplier in an industry where precision and reliability are paramount.

Join Us on Our Journey

Our story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. At CPC, our mission “to be a blessing” drives everything we do—for our employees, our customers, and the industries we serve.

If you’re seeking a partner committed to precision machining excellence and shared values, we invite you to connect with us. Let’s explore how we can support your goals and create something remarkable together.