[INDIANAPOLIS, IN – May 8, 2026] – Olson Custom Designs, an Indianapolis-based contract manufacturer specializing in CNC machining of critical components for aerospace/space, medical device, defense, and advanced industrial markets, has been named the 2026 SBA Indiana Manufacturer of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Indiana District Office.
The award, presented as part of National Small Business Week, recognizes manufacturers that demonstrate exceptional growth, operational excellence, innovation, job creation, and meaningful contributions to their local economy and workforce.
Since its founding in 2014 by brothers Mitch and Brian Olson, Olson Custom Designs has grown rapidly, producing more than 140,000 precision parts in 2025 while maintaining greater than 93% on-time delivery. The company has doubled its operations every two years by strategically using more than $3.2 million in SBA-backed financing – supported by counselors from the Central Indiana SBDC and APEX Accelerator – to add an additional facility and invest in advanced 5-axis milling, multi-axis turning, automation, and sophisticated inspection systems.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to solving complex manufacturing challenges for customers who demand the highest levels of quality and reliability,” said Mitch Olson, President of Olson Custom Designs. “We’ve built our business around investing in people, embracing innovation, and approaching our customers as true partnerships – often stepping in where previous suppliers could not keep pace with our customers’ growth.”
Key factors behind the award include:
- Sustained growth and operational excellence – Scaling from prototype to full production with advanced equipment and electronic quality systems (including ISO 13485, AS 9100D, and CMMC 2.0).
- Workforce development – Creating skilled manufacturing jobs in Indianapolis while building an apprenticeship-style training program with local schools and vocational partners to address the industry’s critical skills gap.
- Community and economic impact – Strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting Indiana’s manufacturing base through reliable, high-quality production.
Looking ahead, Olson Custom Designs plans continued investment in their second facility with advanced equipment, expanded capabilities, and amazing people to support customers with increasingly complex manufacturing needs.