When Dan Vitullo passed away in 2011, the southern California manufacturing community lost more than a skilled machinist—it lost a true craftsman and a trusted name in the machine repair industry. For over a decade after his passing, Dan’s partner, Jennifer Kushner, kept Dan’s Machine Tool running with heart, grit, and dedication to the work they built together.
As the business approached a critical lease renewal, however, Jennifer reached out to Wheeler Machinery Sales with a question that would shape the future: “Would you be interested in buying this machine repair business?”
For those of us at Wheeler Machinery, the answer was simple. Dan had been a longtime friend of the family, and the thought of seeing his legacy disappear didn’t sit right. We knew this wasn’t just a business opportunity—it was a chance to preserve what Dan stood for and give it room to grow.
The Spirit of the Work Lives On
Dan’s Machine Tool continues to operate under the same name, now backed by the resources, property, and community connections of Wheeler Machinery Sales. What hasn’t changed is the commitment to quality, the skilled hands behind the tools, and the pride in every rebuild, repair, and reconditioning job we take on.
Key technicians came with the business, ensuring continuity of expertise. Rick McGuire now oversees operations, and together, the team services a range of manual metalworking equipment—lathes, mills, grinders, and even some sheet metal machinery. From field service to full rebuilds, the heart of Dan’s Machine Tool beats strong in every project.
Smarter Operations, Better Value
The move from a high-rent Anaheim location to our own facility means more efficiency and less overhead. We now operate in a dedicated rebuilding area with the tools and space to get the job done right—and pass the value on to our customers.
Whether it’s a scraped-in, realigned lathe, or a fully refurbished head unit swapped on-site, our team works to keep machines running with minimal downtime. Need a new head? We’ll bring one to you with life left in it, get you moving, and take your core back to recondition. If it can be salvaged, you get credit. If not, we scrap it. Either way, we keep your shop functioning with minimal downtime.
Where Repair Meets Opportunity
What makes this new chapter for Dan’s Machine Tool special is how it connects both sides of the industry. Our repair techs are often the first to hear when a customer is thinking of upgrading, creating opportunities for used machine sales. And because we’re constantly sourcing parts for repairs, our inventory—and our ability to move quickly—has never been stronger.
Our clients, which include companies such as Chevron, SpaceX, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, trust us to keep their operations humming. With open POs and strong vendor relationships, we’re built to serve—and to grow.
Investing in the Next Generation
More than anything, this move is about building a future. We’re bringing young talent into the fold—riggers, machinists, and repair techs—and giving them a chance to learn from the best. People such as Rick Chilcoat, one of the finest machine repairmen in the business, aren’t just doing the work—they’re passing on decades of skill and insight to the next generation.
We’re proud to offer wages that reflect the value of that expertise, and we’re even prouder of the culture we’re building—one where craftsmanship, mentorship, and legacy matter.
Still Dan’s Machine Tool—Just with More Power Behind It
Dan’s name is still on the door, and his spirit is still in every repair we make. With stronger infrastructure, a deeper bench of skilled workers, and a shared passion for precision, Dan’s Machine Tool is positioned not just to survive—but to thrive.
This next chapter is one of growth, opportunity, and honoring the past while investing in the future. We’re here to keep machines running—and to keep the legacy of Dan’s Machine Tool alive for decades to come.