Behind the Build: Meet Louis, Our Manufacturing Engineer

At Martin Trunnion Tables, every CNC workholding solution we build is backed by smart, custom engineering — and often, one of the sharpest minds on our team: Louis Tran, our Manufacturing Engineer.

From Baja Racing to CNC Workholding

Louis joined Martin Trunnion Tables in 2023 as a Manufacturing Specialist and stepped into his current role as Manufacturing Engineer in 2024. He brought with him a deep passion for design, testing, and continuous process improvement — all essential for building reliable, high-performance trunnion tables and custom workholding systems.

His journey into the world of CNC machining and manufacturing engineering began at Northern Kentucky University through the Baja SAE racing club. As a student, he and his team designed, built, and raced their own off-road buggies — an experience that sparked his passion for hands-on mechanical design and rapid problem solving.

“I competed in two SAE Baja competitions,” Louis shares. “That’s when I really got hooked on making things better — faster, stronger, more reliable.”

He also credits professors like Dr. Sadat, Mahdi, and Roger for encouraging him to turn curiosity into practical, efficient solutions — a mindset that continues to guide his work today.

A Fixture to Remember: The 140-Inch Long Series Trunnion Table

When asked which project stands out most, Louis points to a recent HFO Chicago/SMF build: a massive 140-inch Stallion Long Series Trunnion Table.

“That one had it all — Finite Element Analysis, Reach Analysis, Counterbalance Design, Material Selection… basically, a mechanical engineering buffet,” he says. “It challenged me in all the right ways and gave me a chance to stretch my skills.”

Projects like this are where Louis thrives — diving into advanced fixture design, improving rigidity and precision, and helping customers get the most out of their CNC machining centers.

Mornings in the Shop: Coffee, Talk, and Trello

Louis starts his day with a touch of sugar — “not full dessert mode, just enough to convince my brain to boot up” — followed by a lap around the shop. He chats with machinists, checks in on builds, and shares ideas.

Then it’s back to the desk for emails, Trello boards, CAD design, and engineering problem-solving. Whether he's optimizing hydraulic workholding systems or analyzing fixture tolerances, no two days look the same.

Off the Clock: Always Building

Outside of the shop, Louis stays active. He enjoys working out, playing outdoor sports with friends, and tinkering with electronics and control systems.

“On weekends, you’ll probably find me racing the clock on a tight-deadline project or just geeking out with a good book,” he says.

Why It Matters

At Martin Trunnion Tables, we aim to build custom CNC fixtures that help our customers machine smarter — reducing setup time, increasing throughput, and maximizing spindle uptime. Engineers like Louis make that possible.

From designing modular fixturing for 4th-axis CNCs to pushing the boundaries of multi-part machining, Louis brings both creativity and precision to every build. We’re proud to have him on our team!

Explore more behind-the-scenes stories, custom fixture insights, and engineering highlights.