About Big rock
Delivering High-Quality Machined Components & Assemblies
Founded in Aviation and a deep pride in the quality of our work, weāre here to make sure our customers, from any industry, get the critical tooling, parts, and assemblies that make their jobs easier while providing meaningful work to the people in our community.
Strengths
We may be small. But weāve been around forever! And weāve become known as a leader in our industry: rolling up our sleeves since our founder first opened the doors in 1963.
We have a dreamā¦ we stick to it, and weāre in the business of doing the same for our customers: no matter how big, small, or specific they may be.
At Big Rock, weāve made it a habit to carefully select and strengthen the finest manufacturing professionals from our local and national talent pool.
Weāre proud to say weāve built our brand on the capabilities of an extremely savvy teamā itās the most important ingredient to our success.
Heart & Soul
At Big Rock, we care about our customers, our partners, and our community. We believe it takes heart and soul to truly build to success and be the best we can be.
Weāre grounded in a salt-of-the-earth work ethic and a humble determination to do our part. Weāre proud to contribute to our community, our great nation, and the world.
Big Rock serves both commercial and government OEMs and suppliers with precise, accurate products in order to keep our world moving forward. Weāll partner with you to help you unearth solutions to your manufacturing challenges and succeed.
History
1963: An airplane pilot and mechanic named Don Brettrager lands his plane in Chesaning, MI, and notices a small machining company for sale next to the airstrip. He buys the assets and the building and establishes Chesaning Manufacturing Inc.
1975: After building up and selling a division called Bretco that made original EDM cutting and die-sinking machines, Don saw an industry need and opportunity. He purchased the assets of Jetool, an aerospace GSE and MRO tooling machine shop. The company began doing business as Jetool and ramped up its GSE/MRO tooling services.
2017: Founder Don Brettrager and his wife Patricia retire and exit from Jetool. Their children, Tom, Jan, Dan, and Ron, continue as shareholders and managers while focusing on an exit plan.
2020: Jetool achieves AS9100D and ISO9001:2015 certification.
2021: Chris Soule becomes the new General Manager of Jetool and officially takes ownership of the company. With a Masterās Degree in Engineering Management and more than 15 years of combined experience in manufacturing operations, Chris begins working to upgrade systems and processes to serve the company better.
2023: Chris hires Marketing Metal to develop a new brand that reflects the companyās advancements and big vision for the future. This includes changing the name to Jet Tool to avoid any confusion about how to pronounce it.
2024: Chris works with Marketing Metal to develop and launch Big Rock Machining, giving a nod to the community we call home.