Behind the Business: MTI Motion
Some of Kenosha County’s most fascinating success stories are happening behind doors many residents pass every day – and many people are surprised to learn about the incredible companies operating right here in Kenosha County.
Behind the Business offers an inside look at the unique companies, talented people, and innovative work that help make our community thrive.
July 2026: MTI Motion
1. Can you provide a brief overview of your company, including what you do and what sets you apart?
MTI Motion supports the Aerospace & Defense industry with custom motors, generators, and ball screws/lead screws engineered for extreme environments. Since 1946 (founded as Cedar Engineering), MTI Motion has been a leader in engineering and manufacturing for A&D applications. Our mission is to manufacture high-quality, reliable motion control solutions while delivering best-in-class customer service and operations. MTI has three locations including our headquarters here in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
2. What does your company manufacture or the services you provide contribute to, and how do they impact your customers or industry?
Our portfolio of custom brushless, brushed, and frameless motors sets us apart from other motor manufacturers. Our motors and precision-threaded products are designed and engineered to specific requirements such as application, temperature, size, materials, and finishes. We do not manufacture a catalog of products; our motors are made-to-order for every customer.
3. How would you describe your company culture and what makes it a great place to work?
We’re a collaborative, accountable company that lives our values of integrity, respect, teamwork, commitment, and innovation. Our opportunity to lead the business as owners makes it a rewarding, thus great place to work.
4. What types of career opportunities are available at your company, and what qualities do you look for in new hires?
Our current opportunities include finance, engineering, quality/inspection, and CNC positions. We look for inquisitive, action oriented, and results focused talent when hiring for our team.
5. What excites you most about your company’s future in Kenosha County?
We’re excited to grow our business here, leveraging our local partnerships to expand our offerings while employing local talent in rewarding careers.
6. How does your company engage with or give back to the Kenosha County community?
MTI Motion is committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work. We support organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity, BeLeaf, the RecPlex, Carthage College, and the University of Wisconsin–Parkside (to name a few), through a combination of volunteerism and corporate sponsorships. These efforts create positive and meaningful opportunities for team members, and they help support programs that positively impact families, students, and fellow businesses within Kenosha! Every year, MTI Motion strives to do a little bit more. We believe our efforts strengthen our relationships with local nonprofits, educational institutions, and community leaders, while also providing opportunities for team members to take pride in the organization they work for.
7. What is something that people might be surprised to learn about your company?
Our company culture is grounded in principles we know as “The Steel Way”. These principles describe how we do business, improve ourselves, and impact our communities. Included in these principles is our coaching system, which uses sports camps and festivals to develop value-based behaviors in our children. We believe in putting “Kids First” through sports to develop life skills like communication and resilience. After all, they are our future leaders!