Our Story
About Leatherwood Manufacturing
Forty years. One family. One standard of work.
Founded 1986
Mike Leatherwood built this company.
Mike Leatherwood joined the United States Air Force in 1960. He spent his career in aerospace — building tooling and parts for aircraft and support equipment. In 1986, after 26 years of service and industry experience, he founded Leatherwood Electronics & Mfg., Inc. in North Charleston, South Carolina.
What began as a small machine shop grew over four decades into a 42,600 square foot facility with some of the most advanced CNC equipment on the East Coast. The company serves the United States military, aerospace manufacturers, and transportation companies that depend on precision parts to function safely.
Mike built the company with his family. His sons, Scotty and Gil, joined the business and have each been part of the operation for more than twenty years. Gil's son Ethan represents the third generation — running metrology and inspection, making sure every part that leaves the shop meets print. Three generations under one roof, doing the same work to the same standard.
The name changed to Leatherwood Manufacturing in 2008. The culture never changed. Mike serves on the South Carolina Aerospace Advisory Board, representing small manufacturers at the state policy level — the same community he has been part of for over sixty years.
“Do the work right, treat people well, deliver what you promised.”
— The operating principle that has guided this company for forty years
Where We Work
North Charleston, SC
Leatherwood Manufacturing has been in North Charleston since 1986. The facility sits at 4355 Dorchester Road — close to the Port of Charleston, the former Charleston Naval Complex, and a region with a deep history in defense manufacturing.
The area produces shipbuilders, machinists, welders, and electronics technicians. Leatherwood has drawn from that workforce for four decades and invested back into it with stable employment and honest pay.
Four Decades
A Timeline
1960
US Air Force
Mike Leatherwood enlists in the United States Air Force. His career in aerospace manufacturing begins — building tooling and parts for aircraft and support equipment.
1986
Leatherwood Electronics & Mfg. Founded
After 26 years in aerospace, Mike founds Leatherwood Electronics & Mfg., Inc. in North Charleston, South Carolina — a small machine shop with a clear purpose: do the work right.
1990s
Defense Work Grows
Defense contracts become the foundation of the business. The shop expands its machining capacity and earns early quality certifications.
2000s
Family Grows the Business
Mike's sons Scotty and Gil join the company, bringing a second generation of leadership to the shop floor. Gil's son Ethan later joins as well — three generations working under one roof.
2008
Name Changes. Culture Does Not.
Leatherwood Electronics & Mfg. becomes Leatherwood Manufacturing, Inc. New name, same values, same people.
2010s
Advanced Equipment Investment
Okuma 9-axis and Mazak 5-axis machines arrive. The facility grows to 42,600 square feet. Electronics manufacturing capability is added.
2026
Forty Years
Four decades in business. Same address. Same commitment. A workforce that includes people who have been with Mike for twenty or more years.
How We Work
The principles that have not changed.
Do the work right.
There is no shortcut in precision manufacturing that does not eventually show up in the part. We have never accepted one.
Treat people well.
Suppliers, customers, employees. Everyone gets the same respect. It is a small industry and a long memory.
Deliver what you promised.
On time, to print, with the documentation in order. That is the whole job.
Keep it in the family.
This company was built by a family and staffed by people who have been here long enough to feel like one. That continuity matters.
The Facility
Ready to work with us?
We would be glad to learn about your program and see if we are a fit. The conversation is free and the answer is always honest.