Advance Industrial Manufacturing

Jim Wintzer, owner of Advance Industrial Manufacturing in Grove City, remembers when smaller factories played a bigger part in America’s industrial landscape. He started his career as a “turnaround guy” — a consultant with a knack for helping these factories become more efficient. The work took him around the country and forced him to move seven times in his first decade of marriage.

Jim decided to settle down and work for himself, so he found and bought Advance Industrial Manufacturing in 1993. The company specializes in making equipment used in the construction of electrical substations, automotive plants, power plants, and other industrial settings.

“I risked everything I had to buy it, and I came close to losing it a few times,” he said.

The ups and downs of the business are synonymous with shifts in American manufacturing. When a piece of equipment becomes cheaper overseas, or if an industry he services falls out of popularity, Jim is forced to pivot.

“You grow, then you lose something, then you grow and lose something,” he said. “You just keep looking and trying new stuff. What you do well, you pursue more of, and what you do badly, you do less — or charge more for.”

Jim partnered with LCNB in 2009 after a tumultuous run of banking relationships. One bank was bought out and decided not to keep him on as a client. Another bank dumped him in the wake of the 2008 recession. He credits LCNB with helping turn his business around after that.

“No banks were interested in a steel fab company, but LCNB stuck their neck out for me,” Jim said. “They stepped up and got me an SBA loan and a line of credit. Since then, they’ve helped me out with everything. I’ve met the CEO and other folks over there, and it certainly helps to know whom you’re working with.”

LCNB has been able to flex with the market pressures that affect Jim’s business. For instance, in 2020, steel prices tripled, but Jim still had to honor his contract bids. LCNB has helped him obtain new equipment and buildings to accommodate the business’s growth.

“About ten years ago, LCNB helped me finance some equipment that modernized what we did,” Jim said. “I’ve got the same labor force doing about triple the work, which allows us to be much more competitive.”

LCNB’s Tim Norris has served as Advance Industrial Manufacturing’s banker since 2009. Together, he and Jim faced it all.

“Jim is one of my longest, best customers,” Tim said. “His business has good years and bad years, but I know Jim is going to do what he says he’s going to do, and I do the same for him. We’ve become very close over the years.”

Now, Jim has the future in mind. His son, son-in-law, and daughter work at the company, and he’s preparing to pass the business on to the next generation.