Looking Ahead: Our goals for 2026
By the Pillar Machine Engineering Team ⋅ 5-minute read
Introduction: Why We’re Sharing Our 2026 Vision
As we enter 2026, the woodworking industry continues to evolve amid shifting demand, rising expectations for reliability, and an increased focus on operational efficiency. Over the past several years, we have built strong momentum through disciplined execution, customer driven innovation, and sustained investment in our people and capabilities. That progress makes 2026 a meaningful milestone for our company. It is a year to build on what is working, address new challenges with confidence, and set clear, intentional goals that position us and our customers for long term success.
Building on Momentum
In the past two years, we have grown our team, launched updated machine models, delivered complex custom machines, and even launched a revolutionary new product. To accomplish these amazing feats, our leadership has been very intentional in the steps we take as a company to elevate to new levels.
Over the past year, we’ve made meaningful progress across our operations, including:
Strengthening our production team. We expanded both leadership and skilled labor by welcoming back a former setup and assembly technician into a management role after several years of gaining manufacturing leadership experience in the industry. We also strategically placed more experienced team members into key positions and onboarded motivated young talent who are growing and developing alongside the company.
Made major investments to bring critical precision sheet metal manufacturing in-house. These investments include installing a fiber laser, adding a CNC press brake, and hiring skilled fabrication talent to reduce lead-time risk and improve quality control.
Transitioned to a more intentional product development process. We moved from repeated custom requests to defined, production-ready stock machines. This has culminated in the successful development and launch of the OTF machine.
Continued improving internal structure, planning, and accountability to support more predictable production and reduce last-minute disruptions.
The achievements highlighted above are not one-time accomplishments, they laid the groundwork for continuous improvement and growth year over year.
Our Strategic Priorities for 2026
We have broken down our goals in three main areas of development.
1. Continue to Develop and Improve Internal Capabilities
What This Means
We have invested in both personnel and equipment to bring sheet metal production in-house. Additionally, we will continue to implement and iterate on processes to decrease bottlenecks and improve accountability for our workers.
Why It Matters
In house manufacturing gives us more control over production time, quality control, and scheduling. Strong internal processes and documentation give us the ability to reliably and consistently scale to meet production needs.
What You’ll See in 2026
- Shorter lead times
- Increased quality
- Less delays
2. Evolve External Relationships
What This Means
Pillar Machine will reduce reliance on outside vendors, while strengthening relationships with dealers and key suppliers.
Why It Matters
Creating strategic alliances with key suppliers, while cutting down on vendor reliance via increased internal capabilities allows us to get the parts we need, when we need them.
By nurturing dealer relationships with education and increased support, they will be better equipped to represent and sell Pillar and Larick machinery.
What You’ll See in 2026
For Dealers:
- Shorter lead times
- More literature
- More communication with representatives of the company
For Customers:
- More in-depth knowledge of our products during purchasing
- Shorter lead times
- Less delays after purchase
3. Continue to Innovate
What This Means
We want to design, develop, and bring one new machine to market in 2026.
Why It Matters
As leaders in the industry, we cannot simply hang our hats on previous successes. To do that, Pillar Machine will add a product that fits clearly within our existing lineup and addresses a defined customer need.
What You’ll See in 2026
Stay tuned 🙂
A Word from Leadership
“My goal for the year is to reduce stress by building organizations that are less dependent on me personally and more empowered through capable, trusted people.
I’m looking forward to a year of building, both systems and people, the right way.”
— Jeff Hatch, CEO
What This Means for Our Dealers and Customers
Our goals for 2026 are focused on one outcome: delivering a better, more reliable experience for our customers.
In practical terms, this means:
- Faster, More Predictable Delivery
- Consistent Quality You Can Rely On
- Better Support Before and After the Sale
- Solutions Built for Real Production Needs
Together, these efforts are aimed at making it easier to plan, purchase, and operate Pillar and Larick equipment with confidence.
Looking Ahead
As we move through 2026, these goals will guide our decisions, investments, and daily work. They reflect a continued commitment to building dependable machines, strengthening the partnerships that support them, and delivering a consistent, high-quality experience for our customers. We invite you to follow our progress throughout the year, connect with our team to discuss your application needs, or explore our current product line to see how Pillar and Larick solutions can support your operation today.
Published: January 2026
