Justin Baucum, General Manager, with a Hermle C 250 in Isembard's first U.S. facility.
Isembard's first U.S. facility, located in Dallas, TX. Isembard plans to add five to six more locations in the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Isembard has launched a groundbreaking franchise model aimed at revitalizing the manufacturing sector in the U.S. The company's objective is to grow the machine shop base that is producing precision products in support of critical sectors, including aerospace, energy and defense. Isembard will be supporting current and new factory owners in their pursuit of driving efficiency and bolstering a secure supply chain for critical parts.
MasonOS
Isembard's AI-native operating system, MasonOS, is central to the strategy. This AI-first system uses machine learning and autonomous agents to seamlessly integrate every aspect of a modern factory. Built to fully automate precision manufacturing, it integrates quoting, supply chain management, scheduling, manufacturing, and quality control to drive efficiency.
MasonOS core capabilities include:
- Instant quoting-Real-time, AI-driven pricing based on material, geometry, and live factory capacity data
- Dynamic scheduling-Continuous optimization of machines, operators, and workflows
- Inventory and supply chain automation-Predictive ordering of materials and components to prevent stockouts or delays
- Quality control-AI-powered inspection and anomaly detection to reduce scrap and rework
- Production robotics integration-Coordination of robotics with machine tools for lights-out manufacturing.
Traditionally, generating a quote for a complex aerospace part requires manual review by engineers and planners, sometimes taking two to three days of back-and-forth between teams. MasonOS uses machine learning models trained on live factory data-including current machine availability, historical cycle times, material costs, and geometric complexity-to generate precise, production-ready quotes in under 10 seconds. This allows sales teams to respond to customer requests instantly and secure orders before competitors even begin their process.
MasonOS is built for critical industries, with compliance built in from day one. The platform is AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, Cyber Essentials, and JOSCAR approved, enabling it to meet the highest aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity standards.
According to Isembard, the result is transformative: MasonOS increases factory throughput by 40-60%, reduces lead times by up to 70%, and lowers operating costs by 30%. This level of efficiency enables entirely new business models.
The Franchise Model
Isembard offers two routes into franchise ownership: launching new factories or converting existing shops.
Franchisees benefit from a ready-made order pipeline, access to finance through banking relationships, proprietary software to drive efficiency, and an accelerated pathway into gaining the accreditations required to work in critical industries.
Importantly, Isembard has established partnerships with key asset providers in order to ensure each shop has the necessary items to efficiently produce high-quality components. These include precision machine tools, CAD/CAM, quality control, and more.
Isembard is also focusing on attracting new talent. The propriety MasonOS software shortens the learning curve needed to get a shop up and producing components, enabling a new generation to more easily enter the industry. The propriety software also facilitates a leaner, more streamlined approach for those who wish to transition from shop employee to owner.
Isembard, which is headquartered in the UK, currently operates four factories across the U.S. and the UK, and plans to add five to six more in the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Isembard's first U.S. branch, headquartered in Dallas, TX, is led by General Manager Justin Baucum. Baucum is a former U.S. Army Special Forces Operator who has served in key areas including operations, logistics, and consulting for companies such as Amazon. A strong advocate for privately owned shops, Baucum is passionate about supporting U.S. manufacturers.
"If someone is interested in starting a machine shop or is just getting into manufacturing, we want to facilitate that by offering a legitimate pathway for them. And we strive to de-risk that transition as much as possible," said Baucum. "One of the most exciting parts about this is it can be a pathway to something great."
Baucum said that a main advantage of a franchise model versus a larger corporation is the agility it offers. "Isembard never intended to have one huge shop," Baucum said. "I would rather have 10 smaller ones all over the country rather than everything under one roof, because with that comes redundancy, which supports our shared goal of resiliency."
As for the work itself, Baucum said that franchisees have their own territories, much like how any other franchise operates. They will work with local customers and cultivate relationships, and, importantly, will be provided with connections via Isembard that may not have otherwise been feasible. Franchisees also have the capability of acting as suppliers for others within the franchise.
"When you look at the U.S. manufacturing base, it is already decentralized," said Baucum. "We see this as a benefit, because we have capability all over the country. Rather than try and get everyone under one roof, we are facilitating an opportunity for independent businesses to thrive."
For more information contact:
Justin Baucum, General Manager
Isembard
1750 Briercroft Ct., Ste. 208
Carrollton, TX 75006
214-991-4948
justin.baucum@isembard.com
www.isembard.com