Founded by Donald J. Boyle’s father after years in the textile and military-manufacturing industries, Jade Manufacturing has survived ups and downs in the state’s manufacturing industry.
Based in Warwick, Jade excels in the production of parts for radar and reconnaissance systems, including the Patriot, Aegis and Tomahawk missile-defense systems, according to Boyle.
“We supply products to the U.S. war fighter, a noble effort that requires manufacturing at the highest quality possible,” said Boyle, himself a veteran.
Calling the firm’s military focus “a great responsibility,” Boyle added, “Everything that ships out of here has to work the way it was intended because there’s a military [person down the line who is] reliant on the equipment” manufactured by Jade.
Growing up with the company in the family, Boyle knew he would one day be a Jade employee but first worked with other companies in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island before joining the Jade payroll in 1980. Of his 38-year tenure with the firm, he said, “In the time I’ve been here, I’ve developed its [capabilities] in terms of military requirements.”
Boyle said the company’s roughly $5 million in annual sales is “a reflection on the military world” and the spending and priorities of President Donald Trump’s administration.
He said the biggest challenge facing local manufacturers is obtaining “qualified people.” It’s a topic he hears from his staff daily.
“Equipment has moved ahead a lot quicker than people can catch up to it,” said Boyle of the constantly evolving nature of 21st-century manufacturing.
To address this need, Boyle said the company works within the local community to fill staffing needs and educate people about technological innovation happening in the Rhode Island manufacturing sector.
For its commitment to the local workforce and military community in the Ocean State, Jade was awarded the 2018 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The firm was nominated by U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin, D-R.I., after a tour of the facility, recounted Boyle.
While Langevin made “some nice contacts” for Jade through the nomination, Boyle said the firm hasn’t seen an “immediate effect” from the award. He continues to include it, as well as STAR awards from longtime partner Raytheon Co., in marketing literature, saying the U.S. SBA’s acclaim “is a very positive award and we’re very proud to have it.”
Boyle said the company is planning involvement in commercial products over the next five years that “require the same expertise” as has been the company’s focus for decades. That includes microwaves and drones, among other nonmilitary products.
Of the company’s 70-year history, Boyle said he is most proud of the firm’s transition from what he called “a basic machine shop” to a “sophisticated tooling” facility contracting with some of the most advanced military-production companies in the country.
OWNER: Donald J. Boyle
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Precision machining and industrial manufacturing
LOCATION: 132 Meadow St., Warwick
EMPLOYEES: 20 full time
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1945
ANNUAL SALES: $5 million