Employee-Owned

Absolute Machine Tools: Proudly 100% Employee-Owned (ESOP)

At Absolute Machine Tools, our identity and commitment are deeply rooted in our structure as a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This isn’t just a business model; it’s the foundation of who we are, how we operate, and the unparalleled dedication we bring to our customers. Every team member is an owner, personally invested in delivering exceptional results and fostering the long-term success of both our company and yours.

What Is an ESOP?

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a qualified retirement plan that grants employees a financial stake in the company. Unlike traditional retirement plans, an ESOP empowers employees to become owners with a direct interest in the company’s growth and success. For us, it means Absolute Machine Tools is 100% owned by the people who work here. Every employee is an owner, personally invested in our shared success and committed to delivering exceptional service.

Absolute Machine Tools - An Employee-Owned Company

We chose an ESOP because we believe our people are our most valuable asset. By making them owners, we ensure everyone is personally invested in delivering exceptional results.

Steve Ortner

Why Absolute Machine Tools Is an ESOP

Our journey to employee ownership began in 2018 as part of a long-term strategic planning process. Our founder, Steve Ortner, envisioned a future that honored our core values and ensured our customers would continue to receive the exceptional service they expect. Rather than selling to an outside entity, Steve chose employee ownership as the best path forward.

He recognized that our employees were instrumental in building Absolute Machine Tools into a leading CNC machine tool distributor. Transitioning to a 100% employee-owned ESOP was a way to:

  • Reward Our Team: Give every team member a real stake in the company they’ve helped build.
  • Preserve Our Culture: Maintain our deeply held culture of teamwork, integrity, and expertise for the benefit of our customers.
  • Uphold Our Reputation: Ensure we continue to uphold the trusted reputation we’ve earned across the manufacturing industry.
  • Focus on Customer Success: Stay laser-focused on our customers’ long-term success, as our own success is directly tied to theirs.

As Steve Ortner puts it:

“We chose an ESOP because we believe our people are our most valuable asset. By making them owners, we ensure everyone is personally invested in delivering exceptional results.”

This ownership culture permeates everything we do, translating directly into superb service, honest consulting, and responsive support for our customers.

Learn more about our Core Values.

How Our ESOP Directly Benefits You, Our Customer

As an employee-owned company, every individual at Absolute Machine Tools is personally invested in your success. When you work with us, you’re collaborating with owners — not just employees — who are committed to delivering reliable equipment, expert advice, and responsive service. Our ESOP fosters a culture of:

Personal Investment

  • Employees are owners.
  • Owners care more about doing things right, delivering great service, and making customers happy.
  • You get a team that genuinely cares about your outcomes.

Long-Term Commitment

  • An ESOP encourages employee retention.
  • Experienced professionals stay with the company longer, building deep expertise.
  • You benefit from continuity and consistent, knowledgeable contacts.

Better Service Culture

  • Owners don’t pass the buck.
  • Everyone is responsible for the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
  • You receive responsive, accountable service and faster, more honest problem-solving.

Alignment of Goals

  • When our customers succeed, our company grows.
  • As employee-owners, we literally share in that success.
  • You gain a partner who is truly invested in your success and growth.

Our Commitment to Your Future

As an employee-owned company, we are dedicated to building lasting partnerships with our customers and investing in our team’s success. This commitment is how we ensure Absolute Machine Tools remains a trusted source for precision and productivity for generations to come.

Join Our Team & Own Your Future

Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a significant advantage for our team members, too. Employees earn ownership in the company and build financial security for the future.

Learn how our ESOP benefits employees on our Careers page.

Absolute Machine Tools is a member of The ESOP Association, the leading organization in the United States dedicated to promoting and supporting employee-owned companies. Our membership reflects our commitment to employee ownership and the long-term success of our team.