Scott Baxter’s journey is one of transformation, both personal and organizational. As the Director of Business Development at PEKO Precision Products, he has been a catalyst for innovation, shaping how the company delivers end-to-end manufacturing solutions to global OEMs.
With deep roots in both economics and manufacturing engineering, Baxter’s rare blend of technical acumen and business strategy has propelled PEKO into a new era of precision, agility, and customer-centric growth. His leadership has not only strengthened PEKO’s market position but also helped redefine what it means to be a full-service machinery manufacturer in today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
“Our ability to commercialize early-stage designs and scale them for production is what sets us apart.”
– Scott Baxter
A Professional Journey Fueled by Innovation
Scott Baxter’s journey with PEKO Precision Products began in 2008. Armed with a BA in Economics from St. John Fisher University and a Bachelor’s in Manufacturing Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, he entered the industry with a rare blend of technical expertise and business insight. His roles at PEKO evolved rapidly, from Business Development to Director of Sales & Marketing, each step sharpening his understanding of client needs and technical delivery.
With his unique dual perspective, Scott Baxter has become a linchpin in PEKO’s success, bridging the gap between engineering excellence and market demands. His commitment to delivering customer-centric solutions aligns perfectly with PEKO’s vertically integrated manufacturing model.
PEKO: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in the 1960s, PEKO Precision Products began as a humble tool and die shop. Over time, it evolved into a full-scale contract manufacturer, providing complete solutions across product development and production lifecycles. The company’s footprint now spans over 375,000 square feet across nine state-of-the-art facilities, equipped with climate control, advanced machining centers, and highly skilled engineering teams.
What truly sets PEKO apart is its New Product Introduction (NPI) division. This initiative was designed to support early-stage manufacturing for emerging technologies. Whether it’s alpha and beta prototyping or DFMA analysis, PEKO’s NPI framework offers a seamless path from concept to commercialization. This capability is a game-changer for startups and Fortune 500s alike.
Scott Baxter: Guiding Strategic Growth
Scott Baxter’s role as Director of Business Development places him at the helm of client engagement and strategic partnerships. His leadership is characterized by deep industry knowledge, a consultative approach, and the ability to navigate complex client needs with tailored engineering and manufacturing solutions.
Under his direction, PEKO has forged successful relationships across industries including defense, aerospace, semiconductors, medical equipment, and alternative energy. His efforts have directly contributed to PEKO’s emergence as a global powerhouse in precision manufacturing.
Engineering Meets Execution
PEKO’s operational model is rooted in vertical integration. This includes everything from development engineering, prototyping, CNC machining, and fabrication to full-scale system integration and testing. Clients benefit from a one-stop solution that accelerates time to market while ensuring superior quality and compliance.
Scott Baxter emphasizes the value of seamless transitions: “Our ability to offer both low-volume prototyping and high-volume production under one roof eliminates design-transfer friction.”
By managing the entire process internally, PEKO reduces lead times and enhances project visibility. The company’s advanced QMS framework ensures precision at every level, aligning with global standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and AS 9100.
A Track Record of Transforming Ideas
PEKO’s portfolio includes breakthrough projects, such as supporting a medical startup in developing MRI radiation therapy equipment for cancer treatment. Lacking in-house engineering and production capabilities, the startup relied on PEKO to guide their innovation from design to FDA-compliant production.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts between Baxter’s team and PEKO’s engineers, the product was brought to market successfully and now serves top-tier medical centers globally. This collaboration exemplifies the company’s ability to support cutting-edge innovation with industrial-grade execution.
Future-Forward Focus
The future of PEKO lies in continuous innovation. Whether through internal R&D, robotics integration for lights-out machining, or sustainability initiatives like LED lighting and coolant reuse, the company is committed to staying ahead of industry trends.
PEKO also invests heavily in talent development, with its HR team playing an active role in improving employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture. This focus on people, combined with best-in-class technology and a relentless pursuit of efficiency, ensures the company remains competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
“We believe strong customer alignment and innovation go hand in hand with manufacturing excellence.”
– Scott Baxter
Sustainability, Safety, and Strategic Alignment
PEKO’s sustainability and safety teams work in unison to ensure that the manufacturing processes are not just efficient, but also responsible and compliant. From lean manufacturing initiatives to Kaizen events involving client collaboration, the company fosters a culture of ongoing improvement.
Its client-centric approach involves executive-level engagement, dedicated program teams, and transparent communication. This alignment ensures not only timely project delivery but also long-lasting partnerships built on trust and shared goals.