April 7, 2026
Rural manufacturing in America remains a powerful driver of economic stability, particularly in communities where access to capital has been limited. Our latest Impact Trail episode highlights Malone’s CNC Machining, Inc., an Advantage Capital portfolio company in Grove, Oklahoma. For more than 30 years, Malone’s has produced precision aerospace components for the U.S. military while anchoring high-quality employment in a rural area. The company’s presence strengthens the regional aerospace supply chain and reinforces domestic manufacturing capacity in northeast Oklahoma.
Advantage Capital invested $5 million in Malone’s through the federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) and Oklahoma Rural Jobs Act programs, to provide flexible financing for equipment purchases and working capital. This investment enabled the company to retain jobs, expand production capacity, and position itself for continued growth. Today, Malone’s supports more than 50 manufacturing jobs and expects to add additional positions as operations scale. The investment reflects a targeted approach to impact investing that supports both economic performance and measurable community outcomes.
Malone’s delivers accessible, quality jobs that create pathways for advancement in a small-town setting. The company offers an above-average wage with benefits such as 401(k) plans and medical, dental, and vision coverage. Employees receive technical and non-technical training that builds long-term career mobility, while the company’s support of local STEM education initiatives, including robotics programming, strengthens the future workforce pipeline. These efforts contribute to household stability and reduce the need for long commutes outside the community.
The Impact Trail episode underscores how catalytic capital can reinforce rural economies, diversify the local industry beyond tourism and hospitality, and create durable manufacturing careers in overlooked areas. By investing in businesses like Malone’s CNC Machining, Advantage Capital advances rural economic development, supports U.S. aerospace manufacturing, and demonstrates how impact investment can generate strong returns alongside sustained community benefit.
Explore how Advantage Capital supports small businesses to drive growth, expand operations, and create lasting economic impact in communities nationwide here.
