History

Founded in 1973, Bauman Machine Inc. began as a one-man operation driven by determination and craftsmanship. Fred Bauman started the business by performing machining and welding work after hours in a small shop behind his home. By day, he worked as a machinist; by night and on weekends, he built what would become a respected manufacturing company through small jobs, word-of-mouth referrals, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

In 1975, recognizing growing demand, Fred partnered with his stepson, Jim McCarty, to formally incorporate Bauman Machine as a job shop. With just two lathes and a welder, they laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational enterprise.

The late 1970s oil boom accelerated the company’s growth. As demand surged across the energy sector, Bauman Machine expanded rapidly—purchasing additional lathes, hiring skilled machinists, and outgrowing its original shop. The company acquired five acres of land and constructed a larger facility to support operations. At the peak of the oil boom, Bauman Machine employed more than 45 team members and established itself as a trusted supplier within the oil and gas industry.

Over the following decades, the company built a strong reputation in the energy market, becoming a supplier to several of the world’s leading oil and gas companies. Its continued success was rooted in precision workmanship, reliability, and long-term customer relationships.

In 1995, the third generation joined the business when Mark McCarty, Jim’s son, came aboard after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. In 2001, Jim retired, and Mark acquired the company, continuing the family legacy while positioning Bauman Machine for the future. He invested heavily in advanced CNC equipment, modernizing operations and increasing production capabilities.

Like many manufacturers heavily tied to the energy sector, Bauman Machine faced significant challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in the energy market. Rather than retreat, leadership made a strategic decision to diversify. Recognizing aerospace and defense as Oklahoma’s second-largest industry, the company began pursuing opportunities in that sector.

With support from the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, Bauman Machine was introduced to a leading Aerospace Company and was invited to bid on aviation components. At the time, the company had little direct experience in aerospace manufacturing. Nevertheless, Bauman Machine was awarded five initial parts—offering an opportunity that would transform the business.

To meet aerospace standards, Bauman Machine invested in its first Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), metrology software, 5-Axis machining centers and robotic part loaders, and   worked closely with Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance to help develop their quality system, inspection processes, and technical competencies required in the aviation industry. What began as five parts has evolved into a significant and growing part of the company. Today, Bauman Machine has been contracted to produce more than 16,000 aerospace components, marking a successful expansion into a highly regulated, precision-driven market.

From a small shop behind a home in 1973 to a diversified manufacturer serving both energy and aerospace markets, Bauman Machine’s story reflects resilience, strategic reinvention, and a multigenerational commitment to excellence. Their ability to adapt to changing markets while maintaining high standards of quality and partnership exemplifies what makes a vendor not just a supplier—but a trusted manufacturing partner.