Brothers Sean (left) and James (right) Cerven launched Cerven Solutions from their parents’ garage in 2020 (Image: HVMFG)
Sean and James Cerven began learning CNC machining in 2020 after purchasing a Tormach PCNC 440 milling machine. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, mechanical engineering students James and Sean Cerven began learning about CNC machining. After purchasing a Tormach PCNC 440 milling machine, the brothers began experimenting in their parents’ garage in Poughkeepsie, New York. In its February 2025 case study, Xometry reported that Cerven Solutions had completed 671 projects through the platform and generated $1.5 million in Xometry revenue. The report also stated that the company had moved into a 3,000-square-foot workshop and was investing in additional machinery and quality-control equipment. The company’s website lists a Matsuura MX-420 PC10 five-axis machining centre, FANUC RoboDrill machines and a Datron neo machining centre. The company also states that it is working towards Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 and is not currently certified under that standard.
Because manufacturers must maintain dimensional accuracy while cutting away material, these machining tasks require careful control.
The process uses computer-controlled machines to cut, drill and shape materials such as metal and plastic according to digital designs. Cerven Solutions says it has developed processes to manage challenges such as chatter, wall taper and material stress when producing complex components. Two brothers from New York transformed a pandemic-era experiment in their parents’ garage into a precision manufacturing business serving technically demanding industries. Working from their parents’ garage in Poughkeepsie, they initially took on small jobs that helped them gain practical experience. As their interest in machining developed into a long-term business ambition, they established Cerven Solutions. The company later expanded beyond its garage workshop, joined the Xometry Partner Network and invested in advanced machinery and inspection equipment. The company soon outgrew its garage workshop as the volume of work increased. Co-Founder Sean Cerven cutting bar stock to the required dimensions (Image: HVMFG) Cerven Solutions produces precision-machined components for aerospace, defence, satellite communications and other specialised technology sectors. The company lists capabilities including waveguides, split-block assemblies, RF couplers, power dividers, polarisers, radio-frequency housings, filter bodies and resonator cavities. It also lists antenna structures, optical and sensor housings, thermal-management components such as cold plates and heat spreaders, along with brackets and mounting hardware. For aerospace and unmanned aerial systems, the company lists structural fittings, hardpoints, motor and payload mounts, fins, canards and actuation fittings. Its listed capabilities also include power and battery enclosures, such as module housings, sealed lids and terminal plates. These examples come from Cerven Solutions’ official website, which describes the types of hardware it builds rather than identifying specific customer orders. As Cerven Solutions expanded, the brothers invested in equipment designed to improve machining precision and production efficiency. It also lists a Zeiss DuraMax coordinate measuring machine for dimensional inspection. Such equipment allows manufacturers to check whether finished components meet the measurements and tolerances specified in engineering designs. The company works with materials including aluminium, titanium, stainless steel and high-performance plastics. Its website describes capabilities involving thin walls, deep pockets, tight corners and substantial material removal. Sean and James Cerven began with a CNC milling machine in their parents’ garage and initially relied on small customer jobs to build experience. As their confidence and ambitions grew, they developed the project into Cerven Solutions and explored ways to secure more manufacturing work. Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Today, it produces complex, precision-machined components for the aerospace, defence, radar and satellite communications sectors.
They initially received small jobs from customers, giving them an opportunity to build practical experience despite their limited background in commercial machining. As they became more familiar with designing and manufacturing components, the brothers realised they wanted to pursue machining professionally. They began developing their project into Cerven Solutions, turning their technical interests into a commercial manufacturing venture. the brothers discovered Xometry through a machining group on Facebook While looking for additional customers. They contacted the company and subsequently purchased additional tooling and inspection equipment. After completing a test part, they joined the Xometry Partner Network, which connected them with potential manufacturing projects.