Rockford Toolcraft Inc

09/03/2026

Celebrating 50 years in business, Rockford Toolcraft Inc has grown from a two-person tool and die shop into an industry leader in heavy gauge stampings and high-quality metal stamping dies. Today, the company combines advanced engineering, precision tooling, CNC and Wire EDM capabilities, and more than 60 stamping presses to take on some of the industry's most challenging manufacturing projects.

Through continued investment in technology, equipment, and skilled people, Rockford Toolcraft is helping carry Rockford's proud manufacturing legacy into the next generation. Speaking of generations... three have sat on the RRVTMA board, including Trustee Tom Busse and Director of Member Engagement Anthony Busse.

Proud to highlight Rockford Toolcraft as a dedicated RRVTMA member committed to precision, innovation, and the skilled workforce that keeps manufacturing moving forward. https://loom.ly/JNt1Spg

09/01/2026

After 3 years at RTI, Julia Tillman is retiring. Julia is a Tap Operator at Plant 2 on days. Her last day is today, September 1. Please help us thank Julia for her service as well as wish her a happy retirement!

08/11/2026

We are proud to announce that Rockford Toolcraft, Inc. received a Gold Level Supplier Award from Molded Fiberglass Company (MFG) for the 4th year in a row! Rockford Toolcraft supplies metal stampings that are molded into fiberglass semi-truck hoods. We want to thank all our dedicated employees for helping Rockford Toolcraft, Inc. achieve this award!
Sincerely,
Tom Busse, President / CEO

08/03/2026

After 29 years at RTI, Barb Beilfuss is retired. Barb is a Quality Inspector at Plant 2 on days. Her last day was Thursday, July 30. Please help us thank Barb for her service as well as wish her a happy retirement!

07/09/2026

Congratulations, Brandon, on becoming the Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association's Apprentice of the Month!

RRVTMA Apprentice of the Month: Brandon Burke from Rockford Toolcraft Inc

Brandon Burke's path into the skilled trades began with family inspiration. His grandfather was a Tool and Die Maker, sparking Brandon's interest in the trade from an early age. After high school, he attended the Colorado School of Trades for gunsmithing, where he gained experience using manual machines like Bridgeports and lathes, along with a variety of hand tools. Wanting to continue building his skills, Brandon joined Rockford Toolcraft and enrolled in the RRVTMA Tool and Die Apprenticeship Program.

Since being hired in July 2024, Brandon has built a reputation for his reliability and dedication. Working the night shift while balancing apprenticeship coursework, he has not missed or been late to a single day of work or school in two years. Though quiet by nature, Brandon's enthusiasm shines through whenever he talks about his craft, and the pride he takes in his work is evident in everything he does.

Currently halfway through his four-year apprenticeship and on track to graduate in 2028, Brandon continues to develop the skills and experience that will serve him throughout a successful career in the Tool and Die trade.

Congratulations, Brandon, on being named RRVTMA Apprentice of the Month!

07/04/2026

Wishing you and your family a Happy and Safe July 4th! 🇺🇸

06/09/2026

We are proud to honor Tom Johnson, our first employee (other than Jerry & Tom Busse) to reach 40 years of service!

Tom started part-time in August of 1985, at the beginning of his senior year in high school.

He started full-time on June 9th, 1986.

He went through the 10,000-hour Tool & Die Apprenticeship program & spent several years building dies.

In 1994, he was promoted to Assistant Foreman working with and training our younger Apprentices. In 1996, he was promoted to our Die Design department.

In 1998, he was promoted to Engineering Manager, the position he serves today.

We are grateful and would like to thank Tom for his 40 years of dedication to Rockford Toolcraft, Inc!

**Tom is pictured with RTI President, Tom Busse, and Vice President, Anthony Busse.

He is being presented a $10,000.00 bonus check for reaching this impressive milestone!

05/28/2026

Rockford Toolcraft will always show up in numbers to celebrate our apprentices! Last night, we had the opportunity to celebrate the graduation of 2 of our 10 current apprentices at the Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association Graduation Banquet! Pictured are several RTI managers and all 10 apprentices!

05/28/2026

Congratulations Quintin McGee and Dalton Stucker! Both started their Tool and Die Apprenticeship in 2022. Since that time, they have completed 4 years of college classes while also logging nearly 10,000 hours of on the job training. These accomplishments have earned them their Apprenticeship Completion Certificate and the title of Tool and Die Maker! Quintin and Dalton are pictured with Rockford Toolcraft Owner, Tom Busse, and Vice President, Anthony Busse.

04/28/2026

This week is National Apprenticeship Week! We are proud to have a strong Tool and Die apprenticeship program. For 50 years, Rockford Toolcraft, Inc. has been training Tool & Die Apprentices! Our Founder, Jerry Busse, current Owner/President, Tom Busse, and Vice President, Anthony Busse, have all completed the 10,000-hour Tool and Die apprenticeship! If you're interested in joining our program, apply on our website today!

To Apply: https://www.rockfordtoolcraft.com/careers/
More Info: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week