About TPM
A precision contract-manufacturing partner — since 1998.
True Precision Machining is a build-to-print contract manufacturer specializing in the difficult-to-machine work most shops decline. UAV, defense, DOD, and NASA programs come to us for tight-tolerance precision in titanium, Inconel, hardened tool steel, and exotic superalloys. AS9100 + ISO 9001 quality system, ITAR-registered, DFARS-compliant, CMMC-compliant. Buellton, California.
Our Mission
The convenience of in-house service. The economics of an outside vendor.
Since 1998 we’ve continuously improved our software, equipment, quality, and methodology — enabling us to provide state-of-the-art automation, exceptional customer service, time-saving processes, and competitive pricing.
Our success is driven by establishing partnerships between vendor and customer, working together with the common goals of reduced cost, profitability, and continuous improvement.
Ownership
Todd Ackert · Owner & President
Todd Ackert is majority owner and manager of True Precision Machining, with over 40 years of experience in the industry. He trained at the Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SCROC) and worked as a machinist and CNC programmer — and because of his expertise, taught CNC programming at Santa Barbara City College to help grow the industry.
He spent 17 years at Schulz Engineering, including 10 years as General Manager. In 1998 he founded True Precision Machining with 5 employees, growing the company to 30+ employees today. Todd is renowned for his industry knowledge across defense, UAV, aerospace, medical, and space applications — and for his exceptional reputation among vendors, customers, and employees.
A short history
Continuous improvement, decade after decade.
- 1998
Todd Ackert founds True Precision Machining with 5 employees in Buellton, California.
- 2010
Expanded multi-axis CNC and Swiss-type capabilities to support aerospace and medical OEMs.
- 2015
AS9100 / ISO 9001 certifications established; ITAR registration in place.
- 2020
Featured in CNC West Magazine and by Doosan Machine Tools for production efficiency and quality.
- Today
30+ employees, 17,000 sq.ft. facility, 9-axis machining, Hexagon Global S CMM. An Ackert Enterprise.
Our Facility
2 buildings · 17,000 sq.ft. · Buellton, CA
175 Industrial Way is home to a complete CNC machining shop with programming, manufacturing, assembly, and quality teams under one roof — plus the engineering review that walks every drawing for manufacturability before production starts.
Why us
Strategic partner — not vendor.
True Precision Machining is dedicated to meeting the challenges of high-technology companies on California’s Central Coast and across the U.S. Our shop is staffed with experienced personnel, equipped with modern machinery, and supported by state-of-the-art automation at every step.
We don’t do clean-sheet design — your engineers own the drawing. What we do is read every print for manufacturability before quoting and flag anything that could save cost, cut lead time, or improve yield. Combined with on-time delivery, AS9100 quality, and competitive pricing, that DFM-review-included approach is what makes us a partner, not a vendor.
Have a part that needs to be made right?
Tell us about your part and we'll quote within 24 hours. Aerospace, medical, and defense work welcome.
Quotes in 24 hours