Romakk History

In 1964, Robert married to his then girlfriend, Mabel. Within less than one year of their marriage, Robert and Mabel decided to pack their bags to have a-go at the “American Dream.” At that time, the American Embassy required various educational, police, military, and health records, as well as proof of $400 per person in a US bank. Shortly after they received Embassy approval to enter the US, they arrived in Los Angeles with $70 in their pocket and $800 in the bank.

They found an apartment in Hollywood and accepted any work they could find. Robert worked as a dish washer in exclusive restaurants he would later patronize and Mabel as a seamstress working piecemeal. After four weeks, Robert found a job in a machine shop manufacturing parts for the Defense Industry. Within six months of being in the US, Robert received a draft letter for the US Armed Forces, designated as “A1” and destined for Vietnam. However, because he could not yet speak the language, he was recategorized and would be called on only in the case of a National Emergency.

They immersed themselves in American culture and went to night school to learn English. They applied for citizenship as soon as the law allowed and six years later were proud Americans. Their two daughters, Karin and Kim, were born in 1967 and 1971. By this point, Robert continued learning more about engineering and working in machine shops throughout the San Fernando Valley, some of which are still around today, and Mabel opened a small daycare so that she could continue to care for her own children while financially contributing to the family.

Robert continued working extraordinary hours, fully dedicating himself to growing the business. He put every dollar earned back into the company, always focused on buying more CNCs and improving the equipment. He moved his business to various locations throughout the San Fernando Valley until in 1979 he bought a building in Chatsworth, where he remained for 28 years. During these years, Romakk’s reputation grew as a leader in aerospace machining with a loyal customer base which included the industry primes. Those same customers continue with us today.

By 2007, Romakk had significantly outgrown the Chatsworth facility. Although another smaller shop across the street was also being rented for the machine overflow, Robert knew that if Romakk Engineering was to continue and move on to the next level, he would need to expand. Robert purchased a 10,000 square foot, brand new building in Northridge and new home of Romakk Engineering was born.

In 2008, Robert’s daughter, Kim, left her career as a Clinical Psychologist and joined Romakk full time as Vice President. Dr. Kim Oliva played a pivotal role in Romakk obtaining AS9100 certification, maintaining/acquiring top customers, and growing the company to a thriving manufacturing center.

In February 2019 Romakk Engineering was acquired by Vision Aerospace, a company founded by an energetic, passionate, and dedicated machining expert who started his manufacturing career in his teens when he decided to follow his father’s footsteps. He quickly excelled at machining, programming, and leadership, which led to quick career acceleration and eventually a prestigious position at one of the largest world class defense contractors. He founded his first aerospace company in 2013, and later jumped at the opportunity to acquire Romakk with plans of growing the company.

Romakk’s long history of providing excellent customer service, high quality products, and on time delivery to some of the world’s top aerospace/defense contractors, combined with the new ownership team’s implementation of new machining processes and improved efficiencies, is a winning blend. The new ownership is dedicated to building a world class manufacturing facility through implementation of new technology, five axis machining centers, re-engineering part manufacturing, reducing production costs, and building upon an already talented team of manufacturing professionals.