Our Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) team recently visited Specialty Tooling, Inc., a privately owned machining, fabrication, and custom automation company located in Evansville, Indiana.
Specialty Tooling employs approximately 18 people and specializes in CNC machining, fabrication, robotics integration, and custom automation solutions for regional manufacturers. During the visit, leadership shared updates on company growth, workforce challenges, planned equipment investments, and future expansion opportunities.
As part of E-REP’s BR&E program, the visit focused on understanding the company’s operational needs, workforce pipeline concerns, and long-term goals while connecting leadership with regional resources and partner organizations that can support continued growth.
The group toured both facilities and discussed Specialty Tooling’s continued investment in automation, advanced manufacturing technologies, workforce development, and operational expansion.
Attendees included:
- Ryan Johann, President/Owner, Specialty Tooling, Inc.
- BJ Babb, Shop Manager, Specialty Tooling, Inc.
- Kaylie Pruiett, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP)
- Andrea Lendy, Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
- Valerie Schmidt, Southwest Indiana Workforce Board
- Jeremy Durbin, CenterPoint Energy
E-REP appreciates the opportunity to continue supporting regional manufacturers through the BR&E program and values continued collaboration with companies like Specialty Tooling, Inc. that are investing in the future of manufacturing in the Evansville region.
About Business Retention & Expansion: E-REP’s Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program is a proactive economic development strategy focused on strengthening the local economy by supporting, retaining, and fostering the growth of existing businesses. These programs identify and resolve local business challenges—such as workforce, infrastructure, or regulatory issues—through direct engagement, surveys, and partnerships to prevent closures and encourage expansion