Manufacturing Spotlight: Composite Builders

Company Background

Advanced Composite Manufacturing for Aerospace, Space, and Defense

Since 2014, Composite Builders has offered tooling and fixture design capabilities for advanced composite components for the aerospace, space, and defense industries. Founded by Danielle MacInnes alongside her husband, Brian MacInnes, the family- and woman-owned manufacturer has grown into a one-stop shop, providing tooling, fixtures, composite fabrication, and finishing under one roof.

Customers including NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman rely on Composite Builders for precision manufacturing backed by advanced capabilities. The company's Holland facility houses three autoclaves, post-cure equipment, large-format ovens, and CNC machining centers that enable it to manufacture complex, aerospace-grade parts from concept through completion.

The Challenge

Building the Foundation for Long-Term Growth

As Composite Builders expanded its capabilities and customer base, it needed more than advanced equipment to compete in highly regulated aerospace, space, and defense markets. Continued growth required the right facility, industry certifications, workforce training, and technology investments to meet customer expectations and position the company for future opportunities.

That's where West Michigan's economic development and manufacturing support network came together. Lakeshore Advantage helped Composite Builders establish and expand its physical footprint, while MMTC-West provided the training, certifications, and technology guidance needed to strengthen day-to-day operations and support long-term growth.

The Solution

Combining Business Growth Resources with Manufacturing Expertise

Working alongside Lakeshore Advantage, MMTC-West helped Composite Builders build a stronger operational foundation. "There's a lot that we've received support through Michigan and its economic development outreach programs," shared Danielle.

That support included ISO and AS training through MMTC-West to strengthen quality systems and meet the rigorous standards expected by aerospace and defense customers. Composite Builders also participated in an Industry 4.0 Assessment, a comprehensive review of its operations that identified opportunities to strengthen processes and prioritize technology investments that support long-term growth. Several of those recommendations have been implemented and continue to improve the company's capabilities today.

Meanwhile, Lakeshore Advantage helped Composite Builders secure a tax abatement that supported renovations to the building it has called home for the past decade. As the company plans for future expansion, Lakeshore Advantage has also supported approvals for an additional 10,000 square feet, creating room for continued growth.

The Impact

Positioned for the Next Generation of Manufacturing

Today, Composite Builders continues to expand its capabilities while preparing for its next phase of growth. The company is investing in new equipment, exploring additive manufacturing, expanding into satellite and advanced drone applications, and hiring additional technical talent to support increasing demand.

By combining regional economic development resources with manufacturing expertise, Composite Builders has built a strong foundation for continued success in one of the world's most demanding industries.

Whether you're pursuing certifications, evaluating new technology, or planning your next phase of growth, MMTC-West helps West Michigan manufacturers build stronger operations and prepare for what's next. Get started by emailing TheCenter@rightplace.org.