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Our History
American Bright Works (ABW) was founded in 1992 to serve the medical device community and its metal finishing needs. American Bright Works brought to the medical device community an attention to detail and precision necessary for the high quality finishing needs of medical devices.
The vision of focus was on medical devices, therefore declining most other work, not in our core market. Over time American Bright Works earned a reputation as being a preferred metal finishing source for medical device companies and those who also serve them. At our inception, this was not a guarantee of success. We were presented with many challenging projects requiring new solutions and finishing methods. Over time our philosophy has been “Produce quality work and the world will beat a path to your door.” Today, American Bright Works continues to be a leader in finishing services in the medical device community.
Our Quality Policy
As a world-class provider of finishing services for precision manufacturing industries, ABW is committed to continuous improvement and on time delivery of defect free product. To accomplish this, ABW management is committed to ensuring compliance with requirements and to maintaining the effectiveness of the quality management system. Our success depends on the strength and quality of our partnerships with our customers.
Our Purpose
Delivering Precision. Building Partnerships. Driving Excellence.
Mission
To add value to our customers high precision parts through our expertise in metal finishing, high quality, on-time delivery and our expanding capabilities. To be a one stop shop our customers trust to get it right and on time.
Vision
To be the partner manufacturers trust when quality, precision, and reliability matter most.
Recognized as the premier provider of precision metal finishing solutions through innovation, operational excellence, and lasting customer partnerships.
Core Values
- Customer Focused
- Quality Without Compromise
- Precision in Every Detail
- Continuous Improvement
- Accountability
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Reliability
Founder
Becca
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Becca.Hanus@americanbrightworks.com
Founder
Brad
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Becca.Hanus@americanbrightworks.com
Founder
Brian
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Becca.Hanus@americanbrightworks.com
Our Team
Our team is committed to delivering precision, quality, and exceptional customer service. We take pride in building lasting partnerships and helping our customers succeed.
Sales/Estimating
Pete Gorka
Co-owner with over 35 years in Metal Finishing. A 1988 graduate of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business, Pete has the knowledge and experience to help customers come up with creative solutions to their sometimes-challenging projects.
Facilities Manager
Paul Schwab
Co-owner with 40 years of experience in Metal Finishing and equipment fabrication Paul can help our team design and make customer fixturing and tanks to meet ever changing needs.
Invoicing/Accounts Receivable
Karri Miller
Co-owner with 27 years at American Bright Works, Karri is a Process expert able to help customers understand not only their billing but the work we do here.
General Manager
Jinae Carlson
Jinae joined American Bright Works in April 2026 as General Manager after a 24-year career with Honeywell. She brings a proven track record of leadership in engineering, quality, and operations, helping drive strategic growth and operational excellence.
Production Manager
Brian Koch
Brian joined American Bright Works in 2014 and has become a trusted subject matter expert in the company’s manufacturing processes. He supports employee training, shares technical expertise, and helps ensure even the most challenging customer projects are completed with quality, accuracy, and efficiency.
Expediting, Scheduling & Estimating
Becca Hanus
Becca joined American Bright Works in 2014, starting her career in production. She now supports customers by preparing quotes, managing purchase orders, expediting orders, and ensuring every project receives exceptional service.
Director of Business Process Optimization
Michelle Borum
Michelle joined American Bright Works in 2026 as Director of Business Process Optimization to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement. She brings 20+ years of experience optimizing enterprise systems, streamlining workflows, and building the data foundation that supports strategic growth.
Quality Manager
Zach Miller
With a diverse experience in Quality Engineering and ISO 13485 auditor certification, Zach’s focus on continuous improvement and compliance makes him a great partner to all our customers.
Sr. Laser Mark/CAD Specialist
Nick Rustad
Specializing in laser marking and CAD, Nick uses his 10+ years’ experience to customize laser concepts and options, along with engineering 3D printed projects for fixturing and masking of parts.
Office Manager/Accounts Payable
Mary Hass
Mary has been part of the American Bright Works team since 2015 and brings more than 20 years of experience in accounts payable and purchasing. Whether you’re visiting our facility or reaching out by phone, she’ll greet you with a smile, help connect you with the right person, and ensure your questions or requests are handled promptly.
Shipping/Receiving
Our experienced Shipping and Receiving team are here to help with any questions regarding shipments, transit, or delivery. We are available Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to ensure your orders arrive on time, and your questions are answered promptly.