5 Ways a CNC Plasma Cutter Transformed This Kansas Fabrication Shop

Aaron’s Repair & Supply in Great Bend, Kansas, has been a trusted name in industrial services since 1979. What started as a heavy truck repair shop has grown into a full-service provider for industries like oil, mining, agriculture, and meatpacking. Their latest upgrade? A CNC plasma cutter that’s taking their precision fabrication to the next level.

Here’s how this family-owned business used cutting-edge tech to stay ahead—and how you can, too.

1. From Waterjet Woes to Plasma Power

Aaron’s originally used a military-surplus waterjet cutter. While powerful, it was expensive and time-consuming to maintain.

“It took so much time to keep online because of the pump—and it was so expensive to maintain!” – Devon Nelson, 3rd Generation at Aaron’s

2. Investing in the Right CNC Plasma Cutter

After researching options, Aaron’s partnered with Hornet Cutting Systems to install a Hornet HD 5’ x 12’ CNC plasma cutter. Their top reasons?

• Responsive customer service

• Reliable, name-recognition-level support

• Superior cutting capabilities at lower costs

3. Big Capabilities for Bigger Projects

The new machine lets them:

• Cut large raw stock with ease

• Prep materials for CNC 3-axis milling

• Accept new and complex customer projects

• Offer faster turnaround with less waste

“It’s opened up a whole new level of what we can do.”

4. Low Cost, High Output

The CNC plasma cutter isn’t just powerful—it’s practical:

• Minimal maintenance

• Low operating cost

• Pays for itself in under two years

Devon puts it simply:

“It’s like it prints its own money.”

5. Affordable Precision for All

Because it’s so efficient, Aaron’s passes savings on to their clients.
Whether you’re a large enterprise or a one-person shop, they now offer:

• Affordable metal sign fabrication

• Custom part cutting

• Precision prep for downstream machining