As the Bay Area’s manufacturing sector grows, Fremont continues to welcome new players into its manufacturing scene. Such was a case earlier this spring, when we welcomed South Bay Solutions (SBS) to our community. This long-time Bay Area business has quickly demonstrated its willingness to develop partnerships and join important regional discussions about supporting our advanced manufacturing economy. We asked President, Michael Drewniany to share the company’s story.

City of Fremont: Your company has a great story—can you tell us how it all started?

Michael Drewniany: We are a family-owned and operated business. My father, Adam Drewniany, started working in this industry as a young man in Poland. After moving to the U.S., he founded South Bay Machining, which became South Bay Solutions in 2001. He quickly grew a machining business that distinguished itself from others through superior customer service and design expertise that customers leveraged into more successful products. Today, we pride ourselves on running a business where honesty, transparency, and ethics are our guiding principles.

Fremont: With such an extensive list of customers, the strategy seems to be working. What types of products does South Bay Solutions make?

MD: In a nutshell, anything! We are a machining operation focused on high-precision components that rely on very specialized automation equipment. Our primary markets include automotive, medical devices, semiconductor, and defense. We offer solutions at all stages of product development, from rapid prototyping to high-volume production.

Fremont: Speaking of automotive, you have been recognized as an important member of Tesla’s supply chain. Was that part of Fremont’s draw—closer proximity to Tesla’s factory?

MD: It certainly did not hurt. But there were a variety of factors that led us to this decision. Chief among them was the availability of the right type of manufacturing facility at the right price. We were able to buy our new building, which provides us a great level of security as we grow into the future.

Fremont: You have enthusiastically jumped into some of the regional manufacturing initiatives that Fremont is helping to lead. What do you see as the value of participating?

MD: It’s really a “no brainer.” Our ability to maintain a successful manufacturing operation in the Bay Area depends on the region fostering a globally competitive environment for our industries. But we know that it’s not up to government alone to ensure this happens. Industry, itself, has a responsibility to participate in and influence these discussions so that strategies around workforce, land use, supply chain, etc. reflect our needs. Frankly, we are excited that Fremont has taken such a leadership role in regional manufacturing policy, and we are happy to support the effort.

Fremont: What’s next for SBS? What are some new projects that you are most excited about?

MD: Being in the Silicon Valley, we are always involved in the early stages of new technology with our customers—most of which are very confidential! What I can say is that this year we will be adding more automated machining equipment into our facility, 5 axis machines, and building a clean room for critical assemblies.