From Warships to Hybrid CNCs: The Evolution of Davenport Machine

What does it take for a manufacturing company to thrive for over 130 years? In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, we head to Tylok in Cleveland to sit down with Ryan Bavineau of Davenport Machine, along with Scott Hahl and Julia Wasielewski, to discuss the intersection of industrial history and modern production.

Ryan shares the incredible story of Davenport’s roots, from its founding in 1894 to the critical role its machines played on warships during World War II. But we also dig into why history alone isn’t enough to stay competitive in 2026.

We discuss the reality of keeping a high-production shop running, the shift from the legendary Model B to the new Hybrid platform, and how Davenport is tackling the industry-wide skills gap. Julia and Scott share firsthand accounts of how Davenport’s unique support system—featuring a seven-minute average response time and QR-code-activated FaceTime troubleshooting—is changing the game for operators on the floor.

In this episode, we cover:

• The strategic history of Rochester manufacturing and the Erie Canal.

• How a history major found a home in the world of multi-spindle automatics.

• The transition from Acme Gridley machines to modern Hybrid solutions.

• The importance of hands-on training and free monthly classes in Rochester.

• Building a proactive "knowledge center" through real-world customer feedback.

Whether you are a shop owner looking to reduce downtime or a manufacturing enthusiast interested in the heritage of American machining, this conversation offers a deep dive into what it means to build a lasting partnership in the industry.