What does it take to turn a small, family-run shop into a precision powerhouse? In this episode of Capacity, Fulcrum CEO Sunny Han talks with Hernan Ricaurte, President of Ricaurte Precision Inc., about how the company scaled nearly 4× in just 8 years while serving some of the most demanding industries: aerospace, defense, medical devices, and even rocket components.

From achieving AS9100-certified operations to making bold seven-figure bets on automation and 5-axis machining, Hernan explains what it takes to build a disciplined, growth-minded team in precision machining.

🔑 Highlights from this episode:

• The challenges of stepping into a family business without a manufacturing background

• Lessons from Japanese and American business cultures

• Building strong teams and empowering shop-floor decision-making

• How bold investments in technology and people fueled growth

• The role of automation, ERP, and AI in the future of precision manufacturing

If you’re in precision machining, considering an AS9100-certified path, or curious how a small shop can transform into a key aerospace and defense supplier, you’ll want to hear this story.