About Us
Years Manufacturing Experience
Industry Leader in Quality Aircraft Parts
CM Manufacturing was founded in 1986 by Richard Johnson, following a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. Richard retired as the Commander of DCMA Cleveland, bringing decades of leadership and technical expertise to the aerospace industry. After his military service, he worked as a Program Manager at Cleveland Pneumatic, supporting the SH-60B and EA-6B aircraft programs, and later continued his career at All Tools in Cleveland, Ohio.
In 1996, Richard’s son, Ken Johnson, joined CM Manufacturing. For 18 years, Ken had the privilege of working alongside his father, learning from his extensive knowledge and experience in aircraft landing gear. Richard’s passion for quality, precision, and craftsmanship became the foundation of the company and the legacy he passed on before his passing in 2014. Today, CM Manufacturing continues to uphold those values, built on generations of expertise and commitment to excellence.
Meet Our Expert Team Members
CM is proud of the team of hard working employees and managers who are dedicated to manufacturing critical landing gear parts to our customers on time.
Ken Johnson
CEO & Owner
Ken Johnson is the driving force behind CM Manufacturing, Inc., bringing decades of expertise in aerospace machining and precision parts production. Since joining the industry in 1997, Ken has led the company with a steadfast commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, CM Manufacturing has become a trusted partner to major aircraft manufacturers and has built a strong reputation for delivering critical landing gear and precision components on time and on budget.
Ken’s hands-on approach and deep industry knowledge continue to guide the company’s mission of excellence in every project.
Gene Conrad
President
Gene Conrad joined CM Manufacturing in 2008 as a machinist and quickly advanced into leadership roles including Production Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, and Vice President of Operations, leveraging his engineering background and 40 years of manufacturing experience.
Promoted to President in January 2025, he is leading a company restructuring focused on succession planning and long-term stability and is committed to positioning CM Manufacturing for sustained growth and future success.
Vitaliy Chinikaylo
Vice President of Sales
Vitaliy Chinikaylo has been with CM Manufacturing since 2008 and was appointed Vice President of Sales in 2025. Beginning in general labor, he advanced quickly into the quality department as a quality assistant and was promoted to Quality Manager in 2015, where he led AS9100 audits and compliance efforts.
Amy Williams
Vice President of Operations
Amy Williams has been with CM Manufacturing since 2011 and became Vice President of Operations in January 2025. Raised in a family-business environment, she brings a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Jeremy Hargis
Vice President of Manufacturing
Jeremy Hargis joined CM Manufacturing in late 2011 as a machinist. His dedication, discipline, and strong work ethic—shaped by his service in the Army National Guard—have been evident throughout his career.
Sandy Scheffler
Shop Foreman
Sandy Scheffler joined CM Manufacturing in 2001. He serves as Shop Foreman and has been a key part of the company’s growth and operational success. As CM Manufacturing’s longest-tenured employee, Sandy’s dedication and leadership ensure quality and reliability every day.
Travis Brennan
Night Shift Foreman
Travis Brennan joined CM Manufacturing in 2009 as a machinist, bringing 13½ years of prior experience as a millwright at Bonner Mill. He worked as a machinist until 2013, when he was promoted to Night Shift Foreman.
McKaylen Albert
Quality Manager
McKaylen Albert joined CM Manufacturing in 2014, beginning her career in general labor before advancing to Quality Assistant in 2016. Over the next nine years, she built extensive experience in quality systems and inspections, contributing directly to the company’s commitment to excellence.
Allison Crepeau
Production Manager
Allison Crepeau joined CM Manufacturing in 2022 as a Purchasing Agent, bringing prior experience in purchasing and customer relations. Known for her strong attention to detail and organizational skills, she quickly became an integral part of the team.
Open
General Labor Manager
This position is currently open at CM Manufacturing.