Blackhawk Machine Products
Trusted CNC Milling & Turning
Five decades of machining expertise, leadership, and relentless problem solving, all under one roof in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
18,500 sq. ft.
Modern machining with room to scale.
30+ Machines
Full range of machines for precision work.
24-Hour RFQ
Fast quotes backed by seasoned engineers.
Our History
Blackhawk Machine Products began in 1976 as a small screw machine job shop. Our founder, Eugene “Gene” Cilento, was a recognized single spindle screw machine expert at Brown & Sharpe. His years at Brown & Sharpe brought him from apprentice machinist to engineering manager. After 25 years at Brown & Sharpe, Gene made the leap to company owner. Starting out with a few used Brown & Sharpe automatic screw machines, Gene had a vision of filling a niche in the up and coming RF microwave products field.
His vast engineering and hands-on knowledge of the set-up and construction of Brown & Sharpe screw machines enabled him to hold tolerances and finishes that stretched these machines beyond their normal capabilities.
Growth & Expansion
Rapid growth in the early 1980’s led to several moves to accommodate the expanding operations.
In 1985, Blackhawk Machine Products purchased Sherman Screw Products, a fifty year old company serving the fastener, valve, and commercial products industries.
In 1990, both companies were merged and moved into our present facilities, an 18,500sq. ft. building located in Smithfield, RI.
Modernization & CNC Transition
Consistent growth throughout the nineties led Gene to explore potential efficiencies of CNC machines that would ultimately replace our Brown & Sharpe screw machines with both Swiss style and fixed headstock single spindle CNC turning machines.
Gene retired in 1998 leaving the company in a strong position for his son Joseph and son- in-law Michael Vernancio to continue. Both have been with the business since 1976 and 1979 respectively. Gene stayed involved with informal reviews and guidance up until he passed away in 2013.
Modern Day Advanced Milling Capabilities
Expansion into CNC Vertical Machining Centers to eliminate multiple time consuming second operations in early 2000 came with the added benefit of supplying machining work that can only be handled by this type of automated milling machine.
Today we are always looking at improving and expanding operations through training, new equipment, new lines, and asset purchases to build a strong company for the 3rd generation.
Milestones Over the Years
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1976
Blackhawk Machine Products opens with Brown & Sharpe screw machines serving local OEMs.
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1990s
Expansion into CNC turning and vertical milling to support complex aerospace and electronics parts.
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2000s
Facility grows to 18,500 sq. ft. with dedicated QC lab and Swiss CNC capability.
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Today
Full-service CNC partner for RF microwave, communications hardware, fasteners, medical components, and more.
Trusted Precision Machining You Can Count On
Call us at +1 (401) 232-7563 or message us your project details to get started.
Your Trusted & Experienced Machining Partner
Whether you are re-sourcing an existing part or developing something new, we’ll walk through manufacturability, lead times, and finishing early so there are no surprises.
- Reliable contract machining to keep repeat parts on schedule.
- Swiss CNC machining delivers tight tolerances and complex shapes.
- Vertical milling cells move prototypes to production fast.
- CNC turning capacity handles high-mix runs with full inspection control.