About
ATC Manufacturing
ATC excels at manufacturing thermoplastic composite parts. For the past 20 years, ATC has pioneered high-rate manufacturing methods for mass-producing parts from unidirectional thermoplastic composites tapes that achieve higher production rates, enhance part strength and performance, and lower manufacturing costs over traditional composites. ATC is ISO9001/AS9100 and NADCAP Certified, CMMC/NIST SP 800-171 Compliant and ITAR registered.
Our Story
Pioneering the future of aerospace parts & structures manufacturing
Founded in 2004
By Dan Jorgenson, an Industrial Engineer with thermoplastic composites and lean engineering expertise. From the beginning ATC pioneered the adoption of thermoplastic technology – parts and structures – in the Aerospace industry.
State-of-the-Art Manufacturing
Our focus is advancing superior low-cost solutions to the aerospace industry by investing in facilities, leading-edge proprietary machinery, and industry experts. Through this approach, ATC has continued to grow rapidly, and in 2015 we moved into a new, custom-built, state-of-the-art facility.
Industry Leading
We are a member of TPRC (Thermo Plastic Composites Research Center) Netherlands and the composites consortium (TCC) in the U.S. We have also been recognized many times by our customers, including Boeing, receiving several different designations over the years including repeat premier bidder, Silver Supplier, nominations for Boeing Supplier of the Year.
Over 20 Years Leading Thermoplastic Composites Manufacturing
Our leadership and management team has over 250 years of combined Aerospace Composites Experience. Our team is unsurpassed in thermoplastic composite knowledge – employing that expertise in the design, development prototyping and production of composite parts and components.
Meet our Associate & Management Team.
Our leadership and management team is comprised of an extraordinary blend of entrepreneurial business and composite technology experts with over 250 years of combined Aerospace Composite and over 100 years of Thermoplastic Composite experience. Our team is unsurpassed in thermoplastic composite knowledge – employing that expertise in the design, development prototyping and production of composite aircraft parts and components. We are agile, responsive and customer-focused, with the ability to provide fast industrialization, exceeding all quality standards.
Jacob Bonwell
ATC C.E.O.
Jacob Bonwell, a Post Falls native with a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Idaho, is the CEO of ATC Manufacturing. His leadership in advancing thermoplastic composites for aerospace, defense, and military sectors, is underscored by nearly ten years at ATC. He oversees research, planning, production, and financial operations. His credentials include a PMP® certification and Harvard Business School’s Credential of Readiness, evidencing a commitment to excellence that encompasses both engineering innovation and strategic business acumen.
Pat Jones
ATC President
Pat Jones manages ATC’s daily manufacturing, honing lean practices to align with ISO 9001:2015/AS9100D and NADCAP in thermoplastic composite production. His 30-year career spans industrial engineering analysis, construction scheduling, and shop floor management to operations leadership, demonstrating a robust industry track record. Pat’s notable tenure as a General Manager at Composite Product Manufacturing for TCS displayed his P&L expertise. He holds a BA from Western Washington University and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, reflecting his strategic planning and leadership skills.
Gary Baird
Plant Manager
Gary Baird’s career in aerospace manufacturing spans over 30 years, starting with a BS in Industrial Engineering Technology from Eastern Washington University. His journey includes impactful tenures at Boeing and TCS, culminating in his role as Plant Manager at ATC Manufacturing. At ATC, he advances production by implementing lean manufacturing principles, showcasing his aptitude in enhancing efficiency. His expertise extends to optimizing supply chains and managing project lifecycles vital to ATC’s operational excellence. Gary’s combination of leadership and technical knowledge continues to drive ATC’s success.
Jason Merrifield
Business Development Manager
Jason steers Business Development at ATC Manufacturing, bringing 13 years of aerospace and automotive expertise. Prior to ATC, Jason mastered his understanding of composite manufacturing at Boeing, knowledge vital for new product introduction and bid strategy. Jason has a BS from Western Washington University and certifications in Quality Inspection and Project Management.
Bart Johnston
Engineering Manager
With twenty years experience in aerospace and aluminum casting, Bart Johnston has significantly enhanced ATC Manufacturing’s tooling and manufacturing through process development. His work has led to notable standardizations and a marked reduction in design time. In eight years of leadership at ATC, he has excelled in CAD, software education, and client relations.
Jason Ayer
Program Manager
Jason Ayer brings over three decades of manufacturing expertise, with the last eight dedicated to the aerospace sector, where he upholds the highest quality standards and manages intricate operations. His knack for refining production, merging new technologies, and simultaneously steering numerous projects as a program manager has been instrumental in ensuring flawless execution and favorable results.
Matt Colbert
Controller
Matt Colbert is a 25-year accounting professional currently overseeing ATC Manufacturing’s financial operations. Prior to ATC, Matt worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers honing his expertise in reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. A University of Idaho graduate and CPA since 2005, Matt’s key responsibility is managing ATC’s fiscal integrity.
Josh Hemmingson
Accountant & Financial Analyst
Josh Hemmingson is a seasoned Accountant and Financial Analyst with a decade of experience across various accounting roles and industries. At ATC, he develops strategic financial systems and manages the daily accounting functions vital to the company’s operations. Josh has played a pivotal role in system implementations and established key processes contributing to growth and scalability. Josh earned his CPA in 2017.
Meet our Advisory Board.
ATC’s Advisory Board Focuses on:
Technology RoadMap
Developing a forward looking plan to incorporate cutting-edge technology that align with ATC goals.
Customer Engagement
Enhancing ATC’s market presence and deepening our customer relationships
are at the heart of our growth strategy.
Strategic Capital Allocation
Providing expert guidance and board approval on the
allocation of where and how to invest capital for improved results.
Growth Strategies & Avenues
Exploring avenues for organic growth and inorganic expansions to
maintain and accelerate our
competitive edge.
Operational Excellence
Continuous
improvement, striving for operational efficiency and excellence in all of ATC’s endeavors.
John Byrne, Chair
Commercial aerospace focus
Drawing expertise from his 30-year career at Boeing, John Byrne advises on supply chain strategy and serves as
Chairman of the Board for STS Metals. During his tenure at Boeing, John held various leadership roles— including Vice President of Aircraft Materials and Structures, where he was
responsible for the purchase of raw materials, fabricated parts, assemblies, and major structures for all commercial airplane programs. He also managed Ural Boeing Manufacturing, a Boeing joint venture focused on titanium
machining.
Larry Simkins
Strategic Growth
Larry Simkins led the Missoula based Washington Companies as its President and CEO through more than two decades of dramatic expansion, diversification, and operational
success. As CEO, Larry led major entities like Montana Rail Link, Seaspan ULC, and Montana Resources. His tenure included significant roles in governance and transactions,
notably the sale of Montana Rail Link to BNSF Railway. He also served on the boards of Atlas Corporation, Dominion Diamond, and Marquette Transportation Company
Duane Hawkins
Defense aerospace focus
Duane Hawkins served as Spirit AeroSystems’ Senior Vice President; President, Defense & Space—where he led Spirit’s defense and space business—from 2019 until his retirement in March 2023. Duane’s extensive 35-year aerospace career
includes executive roles at Raytheon Missile Systems, Defense Research Inc. and General Dynamics in positions spanning program management, manufacturing engineering, and
supply chain. Currently, Duane sits on the boards of Nammo, Inc., USA, and the American Red Cross Kansas Region.
Mark Jenks
Engineering Focus
Mark Jenks retired from Boeing in 2022 after 39 years, concluding as Senior VP of Airplane Programs for
Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Leading the 737, 747, 767, 777, and 787 programs, he navigated challenges like the 737 Max accidents and COVID-19, focusing on production stability. In various roles, including VP and GM of the 737 program, he also led the New Mid-Market Airplane program. Mark played pivotal roles in the 787 program, serving as VP and GM, overseeing the design and delivery of the 787 Dreamliner.
Rick Sharpe
Business development focus
Rick Sharpe recently retired as the Senior VP of Albany Engineered Composites after an 30-year career in
aerospace and defense. Rick revamped sales and marketing, driving global growth and elevating the Albany
brand. As Group VP of B/E Aerospace Consumables Management Division, he grew revenues from $585M to $1.2B. A former United States Air Force F-15 pilot, flight commander, and F-15/F-22 fighter training programs manager, Rick now provides mentoring and consulting services to select companies.
David Leach
Thermoplastic Composites Focus
David Leach, has 30 years’ experience in polymers, composites, and adhesives—in particular thermoplastic composites for aerospace and high-performance applications. David brings expertise in research, applications development, operations, and product introduction from roles at Henkel and Cytec
(now Synesqo). David is a expert in composite materials and has authored three book chapters and over 40 technical papers. He is a Fellow of the UK Institute of Materials, Minerals and
Mining and is a Chartered Physicist.
Contact ATC Manufacturing
Reach out to discuss your project or anything else!