Ashore Manufacturing Group's roots run through Concept-4, a precision tool and die shop founded in Berlin Center, Ohio by Mike Pence Sr, a lifelong machinist and diemaker who earned a reputation across the Mahoning Valley for quality work and on-time delivery. Mike Sr. also established a registered State of Ohio apprenticeship program through MCCTC, training the next generation of skilled tradespeople, including his own son, Mike Pence Jr.
In May 2025, Zachary Woods and Chris Thomas founded Ashore Manufacturing Group with a shared conviction that the Mahoning Valley's manufacturing base could be rebuilt, jobs could be brought back ashore to the United States, and the region could be positioned for the next generation of industrial demand. One year later, in May 2026, Ashore completed its acquisition of Concept-4, retaining the full team, continuing all operations at the Berlin Center facility, and beginning Mike Sr.'s well-earned retirement. Mike Pence Jr. remains with Ashore as Machinist and Diemaker Coordinator, anchoring the institutional knowledge that defines the shop.
Today, Ashore is investing in equipment, workforce development, and quality certifications including ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR, and CMMC Level II to expand into defense, aerospace, and federal manufacturing. As a service-disabled veteran-owned business, Ashore is well positioned to serve federal and defense customers. The mission is straightforward: bring manufacturing jobs back ashore to the United States, back into the Mahoning Valley, and build a shop ready to serve the next generation of American industrial demand.


Zachary co-founded Ashore Manufacturing Group in May 2025 after spending a decade working in infrastructure investment in New York, most recently at StepStone Group on a $100+ billion AUM global infrastructure private equity strategy. Earlier roles included infrastructure secondary market investments at Ares Management and infrastructure
Zachary co-founded Ashore Manufacturing Group in May 2025 after spending a decade working in infrastructure investment in New York, most recently at StepStone Group on a $100+ billion AUM global infrastructure private equity strategy. Earlier roles included infrastructure secondary market investments at Ares Management and infrastructure development and public-private partnerships at Tikehau Star Infrastructure Partners. Zachary earned a Bachelor of Science in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University. He brings hands-on experience investing in manufacturing facilities and overseeing pieces of critical United States infrastructure.

Chris co-founded Ashore Manufacturing Group and is also Owner and CEO of Tri County Tower, a telecom tower construction firm focused on government contracts in Ohio and across the United States. Prior to Tri County Tower, Chris served as an Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army from 2004 to 2008, deploying to Baghdad, Iraq. He w
Chris co-founded Ashore Manufacturing Group and is also Owner and CEO of Tri County Tower, a telecom tower construction firm focused on government contracts in Ohio and across the United States. Prior to Tri County Tower, Chris served as an Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army from 2004 to 2008, deploying to Baghdad, Iraq. He went on to work as an Intelligence Analyst at Northrop Grumman in Reston, Virginia, then as an Operations Analyst at CACI International. Chris earned his BBA from American Public University and coaches high school football with the West Branch Warriors.

Michael joined Ashore in December 2007 and completed the State of Ohio machinist and diemaker apprenticeship in 2010 through MCCTC and Ashore, the program established by his father, Mike Pence Sr. He has more than eighteen years on the shop floor and brings deep expertise across CNC milling and programming, die building, surface grinding
Michael joined Ashore in December 2007 and completed the State of Ohio machinist and diemaker apprenticeship in 2010 through MCCTC and Ashore, the program established by his father, Mike Pence Sr. He has more than eighteen years on the shop floor and brings deep expertise across CNC milling and programming, die building, surface grinding, and parts inspection. He also handles quoting on machined details and components, and serves as the institutional anchor that ties the shop's craft tradition to its next chapter under Ashore.

Kevin began his machining career at Primco in Streetsboro, Ohio, running manual and CNC lathes and grinders. He earned his machinist papers through a four-year apprenticeship at Tru-Cut, where he specialized in tool and die work and ran the shop's wire EDM machines. He went on to Quaker Manufacturing, where he expanded into CNC laser, CM
Kevin began his machining career at Primco in Streetsboro, Ohio, running manual and CNC lathes and grinders. He earned his machinist papers through a four-year apprenticeship at Tru-Cut, where he specialized in tool and die work and ran the shop's wire EDM machines. He went on to Quaker Manufacturing, where he expanded into CNC laser, CMM inspection, surface grinding, and press work. Kevin joined Ashore in September 2013 and is the shop's primary wire EDM operator. He also holds a bachelor's degree in management from Kent State University.

Jeff first learned the trade as a shop hand at JM Machine during high school, picking up surface grinding and brazing on the floor. He completed vocational machining training at MCCTC and joined Ashore in September 2019, where he completed his apprenticeship. Jeff is proficient in Hurco CNC mill programming, setup, and operation, both Mi
Jeff first learned the trade as a shop hand at JM Machine during high school, picking up surface grinding and brazing on the floor. He completed vocational machining training at MCCTC and joined Ashore in September 2019, where he completed his apprenticeship. Jeff is proficient in Hurco CNC mill programming, setup, and operation, both Mitsubishi wire EDM systems, surface grinding, all manual machines in the shop, press operation, and die setup. He also handles minor press maintenance and brings hands-on mechanical repair skills to the team.

Isabella is a student at Youngstown State University and joined Ashore Manufacturing through the Ohio Procurement Internship Program, a partnership between the YSU APEX Center and the Ohio Department of Development. She supports Ashore's procurement and government contracting initiatives, helping the company prepare for upcoming defense and federal market opportunities.
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