Manufacturers Spotlight: Next Chapter Manufacturing

Innovation is reshaping the manufacturing landscape in the Greater Grand Rapids Region, and one such company that exemplifies that momentum is Next Chapter Manufacturing. Elise Rapeyko and Steven Lopez of our MMTC-West team were invited to join Next Chapter Manufacturing, a forward-thinking additive tooling company that partners with clients to deliver optimized, high-efficiency mold solutions, for a tour of their facilities and a candid conversation about the evolution of their organization. The two were interested in learning how their organization operates, what makes them unique, and how they’ve overcome challenges in the industry.

Founder’s Story: The Start

For Next Chapter Manufacturing, problem-solving has always been at the heart of their work. President and Owner Jason Murphy saw persistent challenges in the manufacturing sector that he believed could only be addressed through a bold, innovative approach. Born and raised in West Michigan, growing his manufacturing company in the area was especially meaningful work. Starting as a toolmaker, Murphy recognized the potential of 3D printing early on. Initial tests yielded promising results, but the technology wasn’t yet aligned with the complexity or precision his work required. Over the next several decades, he refined and reimagined what 3D printing could offer, continuously improving designs until the technology matured to match his vision. Out of that long-term commitment to innovation, Next Chapter Manufacturing was born.

A Role in West Michigan Manufacturing

Ever since its inception, the organization has integrated itself into the region’s manufacturing ecosystem. As he reflects on his journey starting his company, he credits his success to continuously expanding his own expertise and truly understanding client needs. “Every chance I get, I try to speak at a conference, write a paper, or write an article to educate customers or potential people that need a solution into what’s possible,” he states.

Staying up-to-date on relevant topics and exploring these educational opportunities has also built a high level of credibility among current and potential customers. He takes pride in how many people seek out their expertise in the manufacturing sector as a result, despite there being numerous excellent manufacturing hubs across the U.S. Energized by the company’s growth, he views their current position as “just the tip of the iceberg,” with a wealth of opportunity still ahead.

The Next Three Years

Murphy’s vision for the next three years is focused: Doing what they do better and doing more of it. With numerous constraints still present across manufacturing, the company is committed to exploring which of those challenges can be addressed through advanced 3D printing techniques. Micro printing has been a strong area of interest among customers, and Murphy says they are expanding their services to meet customer demands. As more niche needs emerge within the industry, the company sees them not as roadblocks but as opportunities, each one a chance to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Advice for Aspiring Manufacturers

Jason Murphy was once an aspiring manufacturer, and he had the courage to build what is now a well-known manufacturing company. When asked what advice he would give, he said two words: do it. “You know, if you really feel like you have a product or a process that really stands out, prove it out,” he said. “Try to get small wins and prove it out.”

He also emphasized the power of partnership, saying that even without an official partner, it takes a village to start up a company. There are a lot of great places in the region, but Murphy says that finding sticking points within your capabilities and seeking out a strong network of resources to help expand your abilities is the key to success. One of these networks is the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC)- West.

Gaining Support Through MMTC-West

“As a small company, you just don’t have every resource under the sun,” Murphy reflects. Recognizing the value of strong partnerships, he turned to MMTC-West to help broaden the company’s connections and access to industry resources.

Most recently, as part of Next Chapter Manufacturing’s diversification strategy, the company expanded into the medical sector. During this process, they discovered they were not yet ISO 13485 certified, which is a critical requirement for medical manufacturing. Murphy and his team connected with Steven Lopez and the MMTC-West staff, who helped secure a grant to bring in a consultant specializing in the certification process. This support gave Next Chapter Manufacturing the clarity and expertise needed to move forward confidently, closing key gaps and strengthening its path toward diversification. “They’ve been right there to help and support us all along the way,” Murphy shares.

Although this year has brought a lot of uncertainty across the region, it also presents many opportunities. A time of change could be the perfect time to start your journey in the industry. Manufacturers in our region, like Next Chapter Manufacturing, are using this time to diversify their companies, plan strategically, and build a stronger foundation for growth. Learn more about how to get connected with the MMTC-West team at https://www.rightplace.org/partners/michigan-manufacturing-technology-center-west.

Follow our Manufacturers Spotlight series on our social media channels to hear more from Jason Murphy and stay updated on future features. If you’re a manufacturer interested in sharing your story in a video feature, contact Elise Rapeyko at the information below.