Honoring Dedication: Alan Gregory’s 34 Years of Excellence in Quality Control

Just Ask Our Coworkers…like Al Gregory

In every successful company, there are those individuals whose steady hands, sharp eyes, and unwavering dedication form the backbone of operations. For over 31 years, Alan Gregory has been one of those people at VMAC, quietly and consistently ensuring the highest standards in quality control. As a result, VMAC has earned a reputation for air compressors and multi-power systems with extraordinary build quality, durability, and reliability. 

Joining VMAC in 1993, Al became a Red Seal machinist and quickly stood out for his attention to detail and an understanding of both VMAC’s products and processes. "I started in the machine shop and earned my machinist ticket right here. Back then, we got our first two CNCs. Jason Weber and I had just one week of training, then it was straight to the deep end. And honestly, I’ve been learning ever since," said Al.

Since 2005, Al has served as VMAC’s Quality Analyst, playing a vital role in the company’s success by ensuring precision, consistency, and quality control of complex components.

As a Quality Analyst, Al is responsible for ensuring that every component and finished VMAC system meets strict performance, safety, and durability standards. He inspects incoming materials, monitors in-process manufacturing, conducts final product testing, analyzing data to identify trends or defects, and works with engineering and production teams to ensure continual innovation. "Now, we can take a picture of a part, line it up with the model the engineers designed in CAD and instantly see how it fits. Technology has come a long way," states Al.

During VMAC’s early days, car racing was an integral part of time spent with coworkers and VMAC founder, Tony Menard. “We got serious — tore the car down, rebuilt it, replaced brake lines... the works. I was in charge of fuel at the track and every Wednesday night we’d wrench on it here, right in the old race shed at VMAC," recalled Al. VMAC would race at Cassidy Speedway before finding success on the Vancouver Island circuit and expanding into races in the US. "I’ll never forget Tony’s last race of the season. He said, 'It’s fine if I pile it up.' Sure enough — he totaled the car,” said Al. “Only the steering wheel and motor survived."

Al ensures product integrity, enhances customer satisfaction, and supports continuous improvement across the manufacturing process. In systems where tolerances are tight and performance requires an exact fit, like VMAC’s rotary screws, Al provides accurate measurements that minimize defects and ensures the reliability and efficiency of our VMAC products. "Today, I’m involved in CAD work too — designing fixtures virtually so they can be built and used on the floor. It’s amazing how everything ties together," remarked Al.

Early on, VMAC realized that to be competitive against larger, more established competitors, the company required a significant differentiating strategy. Al was part of that change, which meant building a company poised for change and prepared for competition. Leadership adopted a lean manufacturing methodology and focused on continual improvements to product quality amid efficiency. "I’m also proud of our standalone units. I was involved in the very first ALM unit, named after our founder's dad. We didn’t know much about hydraulics back then — but we figured it out. Now, our compressors are everywhere — not just under the hood but powering anything that runs hydraulics," said Al.

From evolving customer expectations to the integration of new technologies and tighter regulatory requirements, the bar for quality has only risen. Yet, Al has consistently met that challenge, bringing a blend of technical precision and craftsmanship that never wavers.

"Quality control isn’t just about checking boxes,” Al often says. “It’s about protecting the integrity of the work we do—and the trust our customers place in us.” That mindset has helped set the tone for an entire department and served as a model for younger team members learning the ropes.

Al is known for his reliability, humility, and quiet leadership. He shared, "VMAC has been my home for years. I’ve grown here, faced challenges, and built more than parts — I’ve built a career." While never one to seek the spotlight, his impact is felt across the organization. Ask any engineer, technician, or production lead, and you’ll hear the same thing: “Al is someone you can always count on.”

As we celebrate VMAC’s almost 40 years, we acknowledge the legacy Al is building—one inspection, one improvement, and one perfectly calibrated unit at a time. Our VMAC team is grateful for his commitment, and VMAC looks forward to many more years of shared success.

At VMAC, success isn’t just measured in products — it’s built on the dedication of coworkers like Al who take pride in their work, embrace innovation, and embody the values that define the company’s culture. Coworkers are the catalyst for VMAC’s success, Al is a demonstrable example.