High accuracy is of utmost importance to Group 5 Engineering Inc. (El Segundo, CA), which machines high-end parts for use in commercial aviation and custom home building. Components produced by the company range from throttles and yolk shakers (or stall indicators) for large commercial aircraft to huge front door handles and bronze pool and shower grates used in some of California's finest homes.
There is no room for error in the production of these parts, both for safety reasons and because the parts are expensive. Some are worth $75,000 apiece, says Group 5 Engineering owner Rich Ushler. "If I make a mistake, I'd have to mortgage my house," he remarks.