Defense Industry Success Highlighted by Macomb APEX Accelerator

Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool was highlighted in the Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) April PULSE as a Client Success Story. Thank you to Macomb APEX Accelerator for allowing the rights to share the story.

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Founded in 2007 by Bob and Heidi Devroy, Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool initially built plastic injection tooling for the automotive industry. As the company grew, adding employees, customers and eventually its own 10,000 square foot building, it became focused on strategic growth, diversification, and long-term sustainability.

By 2019, the company had shifted its core competency to Build-to-Print machining specializing in CNC Machining & Turning with 5-6 axis capabilities for production of low to high volume hand-held size metal parts. As a WOSB, Prosper-Tech also diversified into the medical, aerospace and defense sectors while achieving AS9100 certification and NIST 800-171 compliance. In 2021, the company’s strategic growth and diversification efforts were recognized by the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development who presented them with the Macomb County Manufacturer of the Year Award.

Bob & Heidi attribute their company’s success in large part to their positive team culture and ongoing collaboration to move the company forward, guided by their passion to “Teach the Trade.” Whether thru their U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program or by continuously upskilling their workforce, they believe in investing in people not just for the sake of the company but for individuals and to make sure American manufacturing continues in the next generation.  

In 2022, Prosper-Tech realized a long-term goal after making investments in equipment, talent, automation, technology, certifications, and system improvements by becoming a prime contractor with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). They attribute their success in becoming a prime contractor with DLA to the support they received from the Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator.  

“Over the years, the team of the Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator has been one of our biggest cheerleaders when it comes to growing our defense sector. They are extremely knowledgeable in this space and know exactly how to provide the resources to bridge the gap between government and small business. Our future goals are to utilize their support for training employees who will be intentionally working to grow our footprint in this space.”  Heidi Devroy, CEO, Prosper-Tech

Initially, the company engaged with the Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator for help to enter the defense sector. They soon realized the barriers to entry were quite high compared to the commercial sector. Their lack of knowledge on doing business with the government, along with time, and dedicated staff in this area were holding them back. Thankfully with the Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator’s assistance with their JCP certification, along with their BidMatch service, training on the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), and Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) they have surpassed these barriers. Company representatives have attended several Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator’s events and core trainings such as Meet the Buyer, Take Away Tuesday’s, Introduction to Federal Government Contracting and Prospecting for Federal Opportunities. They are grateful for their guidance since they had no idea where to begin or how to navigate this space on their own.  

Prosper-Tech has positioned itself for an exciting future with its strategic growth plan, newly dedicated staff and resources, a positive employee culture and a desire to excel with continued customer satisfaction. Their hard work to gain competitive advantages and shift the trajectory of their company is paying off and we are excited to watch them grow in the years to come. To learn more about Prosper-Tech visit their website at: www.prosper-tech.net. - Mary Crass, Project Specialist, Macomb Regional APEX Accelerator