About CNK Machine
Our Mission
Reviving the Industry by Investing in its Next Generation.
The future of CNC machining depends on the people willing to carry the trade forward. As fewer young people become machinists, there’s a growing need to pass down the skills, work ethic, and pride that built this industry in the first place. American manufacturing wasn’t built in boardrooms. It was built in garages, small shops, and on shop floors by hardworking machinists who took pride in doing the job right. Those generations laid the groundwork. Now it’s our responsibility to keep that tradition alive. By investing in and training the next generation, we’re helping young people build meaningful careers while strengthening the future of American manufacturing as a source of innovation, economic resilience, and national strength.
Proudly Partnered with the Mazak
Trusted Equipment. Trusted Results.
We partner with Mazak because their machines deliver the precision, reliability, and performance our customers expect. Known for innovation and durability, Mazak equipment allows us to take on complex projects with confidence and consistency. By investing in top-tier technology, we ensure every part we produce meets the highest standards for quality and efficiency.
Our Story
CNK Machine was founded in 1983 by Norman Kite in his garage with little more than a Bridgeport mill, a cutoff saw, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. In the early days, the family home served double duty – even his children’s bedroom became the company office during the day. There were no investors, no corporate backing, and no safety net – just a skilled machinist willing to bet on hard work, quality, and integrity.
Over the next four decades, that small garage operation grew into a trusted manufacturing partner serving primarily aerospace and defense customers with uncompromising quality standards. The single Bridgeport mill evolved into a modern facility equipped with advanced Mazak CNC technology capable of meeting the demands of highly specialized industries.
Through every stage of growth, Norman’s hands-on work ethic and dedication to quality remained the foundation of the company. Today, CNK Machine continues into the next generation under the leadership of his son, Patrick, carrying forward the same values of hard work, quality, and pride in American manufacturing that built the company from the ground up.
Our Leadership
Norman Kite
PresidentNorman founded CNK Machine in 1983 after years of perfecting his craft as a machinist. What began as a dream with just a Bridgeport mill in his garage, the company first functioned as one-man operation. Today the company has grown into a modern precision manufacturing and engineering business serving some of the most demanding industries in the world. He’s pictured with the first CNC machine he ever purchased — the one that started it all. Outside the shop, he’s a lifelong car enthusiast with a particular love for restoring mid-year Corvettes and hot rods, a passion that reflects the close connection between the machine shop and classic cars. When Norman isn’t working, he also likes to drive fast and has been tracking Corvettes and Camaros at VIR for the last 10 years.
Patrick Kite
Vice PresidentPatrick grew up around CNK Machine, spending summers in the shop honing his skills as a machinist. He went on to earn his Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech in 2013 before applying his unique machining and engineering knowledge in the corporate world, where he designed high speed machinery and pharma type processes, earning multiple patents in the Tobacco Industry. In February 2024 he returned home to CNK Machine to carry the family business forward. He’s pictured with the first CNC machine purchased under his leadership – a more advanced version of the one his father bought more than forty years ago. When Patrick isn’t working, he’s racing at VIR or spending late nights in the race shop working on cars.