Building on Legacy, Investing in the Future: Wheeler Machinery Sales Acquires Dan’s Machine Tool
Wheeler Machinery Sales is proud to announce the acquisition of Dan’s Machine Tool, a respected name in machinery service and repair in southern California. This move represents more than just an expansion of services—it’s a continuation of legacy, a commitment to quality, and a long-term investment in the future of American manufacturing.
Dan Vitullo, the founder of Dan’s Machine Tool, was a longtime friend of the Wheeler family. After Dan passed away in 2011, his partner, Jennifer Kushner, carried the torch for over a decade, honoring the vision they built together. When Jennifer reached out about the future of the business, we knew we had an opportunity—not only to preserve what Dan and Jennifer created, but also to bring new life to it.
With the acquisition, we welcomed experienced technicians into our growing team. And while the Dan’s Machine Tool name continues, the operation now benefits from the infrastructure, community connection, and property ownership that Wheeler Machinery has built over the years. Instead of paying high rent in Anaheim, our technicians now operate out of a purpose-built rebuilding area here on-site. It's a smarter use of resources, one that allows us to pass on the value directly to our customers.
Repair Services that Add Real Value
From lathes and mills to grinders and sheet metal equipment, our repair team is equipped to handle it all—whether it’s a precision rebuild, a head swap, or a full refurbish. In many cases, we’ll get a machine back up and running right in the field. If we can’t, we’ll bring it in, go through it completely, and return it better than new.
This integration enhances our sales operation in a big way. When our crew isn’t out in the field, they refurbish machines in-house before putting them on the floor, offering used equipment with confidence and integrity. And when they are in the field, they often encounter machinery owners looking to upgrade, providing even more opportunity for sales on the spot.
Big Name Clients, Bigger Opportunity
We’re proud to maintain and grow the trusted relationships Dan’s Machine Tool established with clients like Chevron, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and SpaceX. With open purchase orders and strong vendor connections, our repair business brings operational efficiency and new inventory to the Wheeler Machinery Sales pipeline.
Training the Next Generation
This acquisition isn’t just about business growth—it’s about industry stewardship. We’re using this moment to invest in young technicians, ensuring skills such as scraping, alignment, and machine rebuilding are passed on to the next generation. With experts like Rick Chilcoat on our team, we’re not only doing quality work—we’re building a workforce that can carry this industry forward.
A Win-Win for Everyone
Ultimately, bringing Dan’s Machine Tool into the Wheeler Machinery family gives our customers more: more service options, more value, and more ways to keep their shops running smoothly. Whether it’s repairing, rebuilding, or replacing, we’re here to help businesses move metal and move forward.
We didn’t want to see Dan’s legacy disappear—and now, with this acquisition, it won't. Instead, it’s growing stronger, backed by the same values, the same commitment to quality, and a new vision for the future.
