About us
While the financial crisis of 2008 may seem an unlikely backdrop to a company’s success story, that is exactly how this particular story starts. Kritex was founded in October of 2008 by owner Mark Westrate. Mark took a (calculated) risk to follow his dream of owning his own business and left a well-loved company where he worked for years as the head of their engineering department.
Kritex started solely as an engineering firm with just one person-Mark himself. Armed with a passion to create something of his own and just a touch of fear of failure, Mark set out to make himself and his skill set known to as many local businesses as he could. It worked. The clients became plentiful and business steadily increased. Mark hired his first engineer within the year. When the client’s needs started to change, Mark bought a small CNC machine, put it in his garage, and set out to learn all there was to know about machining. A very niche market was recognized and born. Mark became synonymous with an engineer who can build and create the things he dreams up. Kritex took off and the rest is history. Kritex bought more machines as more clients came in. More work went out and more employees were needed to keep things going. Business grew and continues to grow to this day.
Kritex recently moved to a new location in Wayland, Michigan at the beginning of 2025 with the goal of expanding. Construction is expected to start within the year to nearly triple the size of the space Kritex has now. Business is good and life is even better. Mark resides in Wayland with his new wife Kathy and their six kids.