SCHAUMBURG, IL – The Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) proudly highlights the many critical contributions of its small and midsize manufacturing members to NASA’s Artemis II mission, which launched Thursday to send a four-person crew around the moon on a 10-day mission.
Among the TMA members helping return the United States to lunar exploration is Carpentersville-based Acme Industrial. The company produced inserts and studs for Pratt & Whitney, as well as Aerojet Rocketdyne for the four engines that power the Artemis II rocket, called the RS-25 Project, making Acme Industrial one of few companies with such a hands-on experience and contribution to human space flight.
“ACME has a long history in supporting our country’s various space projects. This goes back to the days when the space shuttle was flying,” said George Margelos, President of Acme Industrial.
Chicago-based Orion Industries also provided vital support but the specifics are classified, beyond noting they devised an ingenious method to accurately meet the strict requirements NASA sets for their rocket engine seals.
“At Orion, we understand that in projects like Artemis II, even the smallest components carry enormous responsibility, and our role in applying coatings with absolute accuracy is critical to the success of aerospace projects and their impact on humanity,” said Scott Yoder, Regional Sales Manager and Technical Consultant at Orion Industries.
And fellow Carpentersville-based company, Otto Engineering, created control switches and navigation equipment for inside the spacecraft. Acme Industrial, Orion Industries, and Otto Engineering are just a few of the many TMA members to have a direct hand in stepping up to meet the demanding lead times and exacting standards required to advance America’s continuing journey into outer space.
“TMA members have always played a quiet but critical role in milestones like the Artemis II launch,” said Dennis LaComb, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff of TMA. “The precision parts, materials, and expertise they provide power the supply chains behind NASA’s most ambitious missions and this nation’s exploration of space.”
LaComb noted that this successful launch underscores the immense value of local Illinois manufacturing to global achievements.
“It’s a powerful reminder that small and midsize manufacturers aren’t just supporting industry; they’re helping put us back on the path to the Moon and beyond,” he said.
More on TMA’s involvement in the Artemis II mission can be found here.
About TMA: Founded in 1925, TMA is an independent trade association whose mission is to partner with small and midsize manufacturers to help protect, promote, and grow their businesses through practical products, programs, services, and solutions. TMA has nearly 900 members representing approximately 39,000 manufacturing employees and more than 27 million square feet of manufacturing plant.
