Mack Prototype Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Major Investments in CNC Technology, Quality Inspection, and Sustainability

Robert Gilbo Appointed Quality & Compliance Manager

GARDNER, Mass. (Feb. 5, 2025) – In celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2024, Mack Prototype, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Group, is making a major investment in its machining, inspection, and facility efficiency. With a total investment exceeding $475,000, the company is revamping its CNC technology, expanding its quality lab with a state-of-the-art CMM machine, and implementing energy-efficient heating solutions to ensure this long-standing fixture of manufacturing in the community is ready to take on its next century.

Mack Prototype is upgrading its CNC machining capabilities with the addition of a Haas VF2-SS high-speed mill, which enhances the ability to machine both plastics and metals. The unit can also perform tight-tolerance secondary operations on injection-molded parts, including PPSU, PEI, and composite materials.

“This investment allows us to improve accuracy, speed, and quality in our machining operations,” said Mack Prototype President Greg Cebular. “With a probing system integrated into the CNC, we can enhance precision and reduce variability in our production processes.”

The facility now houses 12 CNC 3-Axis milling machines, some with 4-axis capabilities, utilizing Haas, Milltronics and Fadel CNC machining equipment.

To complement its upgraded CNC capabilities, Mack Prototype is introducing a Hexagon Global S7.10.7 Scan Plus Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) to its quality lab. This advanced inspection system allows the facility to measure ultra-tight tolerances and complex dimensions, critical for medical and defense applications.

“Our customers demand extreme precision, and this CMM ensures we meet those requirements,” said Cebular. “It ties directly into our CNC operations, allowing us to inspect dimensions on parts we couldn’t inspect before and significantly improve our capabilities.”

Mack Prototype is also taking a major step toward sustainability with the installation of hybrid industrial mini-split heat pumps. These systems help maximize electric efficiency while switching to backup heating only when necessary. Through partnerships with Royal Steam Heater Company, a Gardner-based contractor, and Unitil, the company is leveraging Mass Save industrial rebates, covering a significant portion of the project’s cost.

“Our goal is to reduce reliance on traditional oil and gas while ensuring a comfortable working environment,” said Cebular. “With rebates offsetting much of the investment, we’re able to implement these energy-efficient upgrades in a cost-effective way while achieving a 25% efficiency gain over traditional heating and cooling systems.”

These investments reflect Mack Prototype’s ongoing commitment to technological advancement and sustainability. By modernizing its CNC and quality inspection capabilities and embracing energy-efficient infrastructure, the company is ensuring it remains a vital part of the manufacturing community for decades to come.

Additionally, Robert Gilbo has joined Mack Prototype as Quality & Compliance Manager, bringing over a decade of manufacturing experience in quality, operations, and leadership. Most recently, he served as Quality Manager at Accumet Engineering, overseeing ISO 9001 and AS9100 compliance. His background includes roles as a Quality Engineer at Waiteco Machine and Quality Control Technician at Keeney Holdings. Gilbo holds AS9100D Lead Auditor and AS13001/AS9117 DPRV certifications, along with extensive experience in quality systems, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

About Mack Prototype
Mack Prototype, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mack Group, is a full-service prototype and low-volume production facility specializing in Injection Molding, Urethane Casting, 3D Printing, CNC Machining, and New Product Introduction (NPI) assembly. The company serves industries including medical, defense, and industrial manufacturing. For more information, go to www.mackprototype.com.

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