Name: Matrix Fitness
Price range: $$

Matrix Fitness’ manufacturing facility in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, reflects the company’s dedication to quality and innovation in fitness equipment. Led by General Manager Kyle Schweitzer and Director of Operations Troy Waldron, the facility has been fine-tuned over years of hard work to become a leader in custom fitness manufacturing. The facility houses 13 core processes to manufacture their Magnum MX Racks and select Magnum Series equipment, including plasma table cutting, CNC milling, robotic welding, upholstery, and powder coating.

“We have a production manager who leads the floor and leads our team leads,” Schweitzer says. “I’m involved in helping to provide them with guidance working with our customers and facilitating between our customers and our production staff.”

The Backbone of Quality: A Skilled and Experienced Team

The team at the Sturtevant facility is the heart of its success. With an average tenure of 10 years, the staff’s experience ensures efficiency and product quality. From seasoned production managers with over three decades of expertise to newly joined staff, the team exemplifies a blend of tradition and fresh perspective that guides product development.

“Our team brings an incredible amount of experience and that is delivered through the craftsmanship of our product,” Schweitzer highlights. “You see it in everything that we do. Quality is really essential and it’s our staff that drives that.”

Pioneering Processes for Top-Notch Results

The facility’s operations span a wide range of capabilities, including advanced cutting, machining, welding, and assembly processes. These processes ensure every piece of equipment meets rigorous standards. The integration of automation boosts efficiency even more, reducing lead times and waste, while reinforcing Matrix Fitness’ commitment to sustainability and consistency.

A Look into Matrix Product Development

Troy Waldron, the Director of Operations at Matrix Fitness’ Sturtevant facility, is a driving force behind the innovation. With over 31 years in the industry, Waldron’s experience spans from his time at strength manufacturer Magnum Fitness before its acquisition by Matrix in 2012 to his current role overseeing quality control, product development, and customer service.

“My real passion here is new product development,” Waldron says. “We do everything here internally, from design work and tooling design to production and testing. All of that’s done in house and I oversee all of that.”

The MX Racks are a prime example of Matrix’s commitment to innovation. What started as a brainstorming session between Waldron and a project manager quickly evolved into one of the most versatile product lines in the industry. Today, the MX Racks boast over 70 different accessories.

“One night, me and the PM sat down and we talked about what the ultimate power rack would look like,” Waldron says. “Within a week we had a standing prototype and from there it just exploded.”

The Power of Customization

Customization is at the core of Matrix Fitness’ approach, especially when catering to the diverse school market. The process begins with understanding the customer’s vision. Their tailored approach ensures each client gets a solution that aligns exactly to their needs.

“Our customization gives customers the ability to brand,” Waldron says. “Whether it’s custom colors, custom upholstery, custom paint, or even structural changes, every customer has a different programming need and a different want. Customization allows us to cater to every single one of those needs.”

The Sturtevant Showroom: A Space That Speaks Strength

Matrix Fitness recently invested in a state-of-the-art showroom, elevating the tour and visit experience provided at the manufacturing facility. Spanning about 6,000 square feet, the space features the Magnum MX Racks, along with an extensive selection of plate-loaded equipment, accessories, and more. The expansive space allows visitors to explore the facility’s customization capabilities firsthand. Combined with the facility’s conference room that overlooks the showroom through its glass doors, the facility offers a first-class experience for visitors, eliminating the need for imagination when exploring Matrix’s product offerings.

“You don’t have to look in a catalog, you don’t have to look online,” says Waldron. “You can walk out here and physically touch, feel, and see the product.”

Check It Out For Yourself

Matrix’s Sturtevant facility offers a unique opportunity to witness their advanced manufacturing processes, meet their dedicated workforce, and experience their custom equipment options. Schweitzer extends a warm invitation, “Come visit us and see the level of craftsmanship from our skilled and experienced team.” Waldron says, “We would absolutely love for you to come and visit us here in our Sturtevant showroom. Come see what we can do for you—the standard products, the accessories, and the custom solutions that you can’t find anywhere else.”