Savage Precision Fabrication Celebrates 50 Years
The Heart Of Savage Precision Fabrication’s 50-Year Legacy
After five decades spent building one of the aerospace industry’s most trusted CNC machine shops and metal precision fabrication companies, JoAnn Gardner has earned quiet mornings on her farm porch with her dog Hope.
As Savage Precision Fabrication marks its 50th anniversary, we honor the woman whose vision, sacrifice, and work ethic created the foundation for everything the company has achieved.
The True Partnership
W.T. Gardner is credited as the founder of Savage Precision, but JoAnn was his full partner from the very beginning.
In 1973, when they started with a used Bridgeport Mill, saw, and lathe in their garage, JoAnn handled the finances while W.T. worked his day job at Texas Instruments.
She managed the books, assisted customers, and kept their dream alive during those lean early years.
The Decision That Changed Everything
After launching Savage Precision in 1975, the company needed capital to grow. JoAnn proposed something radical: sell their home, move to an apartment, and put every dollar into the business.
She convinced W.T. this was the only path forward. The decision required tremendous faith in their business plan and in each other. That faith transformed a garage operation into an aerospace industry leader.
Strategic Vision in Precision Fabrication: The Aerospace Decision
JoAnn’s business instincts shaped Savage Precision’s most important pivot: leaving semiconductor work to focus on aerospace metal fabrication. This choice, made with her full support and strategic input, pointed the company toward its future as a trusted supplier to Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon.
Her ability to see past immediate opportunities to long-term positioning built the client relationships that define Savage Precision today.
Family Business, Family Commitment
Savage Precision consumed the Gardner family’s entire week. JoAnn, W.T., and their son Scott ran production Monday through Saturday, then handled maintenance on Sundays.
JoAnn was the financial strategist and steady presence who let W.T. focus on operations and customers. Her careful money management provided stability for smart equipment investments and growth. She still oversees payroll today, maintaining her connection to the company she helped build from nothing.
Crisis Leadership
Three years ago, Savage Precision Fabrication faced serious challenges. JoAnn reminded Scott of everything he’d learned about hard work and perseverance, encouraging him to keep the company moving forward.
The company survived and expanded, proof of the foundation JoAnn had built. This work ethic has become part of Savage Precision’s company culture.
50 Years Worth Celebrating
Savage Precision’s recent 50th anniversary party celebrated JoAnn’s role in building the company. The CNC machine shop transformed into a decorated banquet hall, where employees, family, and friends gathered to recognize her contributions.
Paulina Garcia, Manager of Document Control, led her team in planning and executing the event. Their attention to detail reflects the standards of excellence that JoAnn established decades ago, and current employees have adopted as their own.
The day captured what JoAnn built: a company that treats people like family and values the relationships that make success possible.
Values That Built a Culture
JoAnn’s approach to business shaped how Savage Precision operates today. The work ethic she and W.T. instilled in Scott now guides the entire team.
Our reputation for 97% on-time delivery and 99% quality began with the high standards JoAnn set in the early days. Her focused discipline helped secure the industry certifications and aerospace partnerships we are known for.
A Foundation Built to Last at Savage Precision Fabrication
JoAnn’s influence remains at the heart of Savage Precision. Her financial discipline continues to provide stability as the company grows and evolves. The work ethic she modeled remains evident in every project we take on.
Now, under Scott’s leadership, those founding values continue to guide the business. He’s expanded the company’s capabilities while building on the aerospace expertise developed by his parents. Most importantly, the culture JoAnn established lives on through our employees—their commitment to quality and reliability reflects the standards she set from the beginning.
The Legacy Lives On
JoAnn Gardner built something lasting through quiet strength, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence. From garage startup to aerospace metal fabrication leader, her journey embodies American entrepreneurship and family values.
JoAnn’s greatest achievement isn’t found in awards or certifications. It’s in Savage Precision’s daily operations—every part delivered on time, every quality standard exceeded, every employee who understands they’re part of something bigger.
As Savage Precision moves into its next half-century, it does so on the foundation JoAnn built with her sharp mind and generous heart. In celebrating 50 years of Savage Precision, we pay tribute to JoAnn Gardner, the woman who made it all possible.
