In 1948, Oscar Pax opened a small repair and machine shop on Monroe Road in Celina, Ohio. The shop served local farmers and small manufacturers with basic machining and repair work. It was a one-man operation built on skill, reliability, and a handshake.
Growing into stamping
Through the 1960s, the second generation expanded the business into metal stamping production. The shop invested in its first stamping presses and began serving regional manufacturers with production stampings. The transition from repair work to production manufacturing was a defining moment. It set the direction for everything that followed.
The automotive era
By the 1980s, PAX had made major investments in high-tonnage press equipment and secured automotive production programs. The third generation drove the company toward automotive quality standards, eventually achieving TS16949 certification in 2003. This certification opened doors to automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers across the Midwest.
Fourth generation and diversification
Today, the fourth generation of PAX leadership is driving strategic diversification across defense, heavy machinery, energy, medical, technology, and air handling markets. The goal is clear: build a stronger, more balanced manufacturing operation that serves multiple industries rather than depending on any single market segment.
What stays the same
Through four generations, some things have not changed. We still operate from Celina, Ohio. We still build and maintain our own tooling. We still believe that manufacturing quality comes from skilled people, good equipment, and disciplined processes. And we still answer the phone when our partners call.