Employee milestones at Forest City Gear

Roscoe, IL (November 25, 2025) – Forest City Gear, an industry-leading manufacturer of fine- and medium-pitch custom gears, is proud to recognize several employees for their long-term dedication to the company.

• In October 2025, Gene Fann, Gear Technology Manager, transitioned to partial retirement after nearly 40 years with the company. Fann’s career at Forest City Gear spans almost four decades, during which he became a cornerstone of the company’s engineering and gear technology operations. Known for his technical expertise, innovative thinking, and willingness to mentor others, Gene has played a pivotal role in advancing Forest City Gear’s capabilities across aerospace, defense, robotics, and other critical industries.“Gene is one of the great gearheads of our time and we consider ourselves immensely lucky that it’s FCG that he’s chosen to call home for so many years,” says Kika Young, President of Forest City Gear.
• Mike Miller (25 years) and Bernard Lamm (20 years) celebrated anniversaries with the company in September 2025.
• Mark Cunningham (25 years), Keith Tillman (15 years), and Doug Klitz (10 years) celebrated anniversaries with the company in November 2025. 

• A steadfast and highly skilled member of the gear shaping department, Mark Cunningham has played a vital role in producing components for a wide range of aerospace, military, and defense programs. His craftsmanship, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to quality have made him a trusted contributor to some of our most critical projects. Cunningham’s dedication and consistency embody the values that have shaped Forest City Gear for decades.

• Keith Tillman’s attention to detail and strong organizational abilities make him an invaluable member of Forest City Gear’s team, particularly in managing and maintaining accuracy within finished-goods inventory. His professionalism and personable nature have allowed him to build excellent working relationships with shipping and receiving contacts across Forest City Gear’s customer and vendor network. Beyond his daily responsibilities, Tillman has led several community collection initiatives and organizes Forest City Gear’s annual employee fishing tournament. Known for his positive attitude, willingness to assist others, and unwavering enthusiasm for Chicago football, Keith continues to strengthen Forest City’s workplace culture in meaningful ways.

• Since joining Forest City Gear in the hobbing department, Doug Klitz has distinguished himself as a highly skilled and dedicated technician. Entering the organization with no prior gear-manufacturing experience, he has developed into one of the department’s most dependable contributors, supporting projects ranging from automotive to aerospace and space-flight applications. His commitment to precision and high standards consistently elevates the quality of work on third shift. Colleagues value his willingness to share knowledge, provide guidance, and ensure team members fully understand expectations and processes. Doug’s professionalism, combined with his approachable personality, makes him an integral part of Forest City Gear’s continued success.

• Mike Miller has served in a variety of roles since joining Forest City Gear, from Tool Room Machinist to supervisor of multiple departments. He also served as Division Manager for the company’s dedicated high-volume production area. Most recently, Miller was Supervisor of the CNC Machining Department, where he was instrumental in building and expanding capabilities before being promoted to Program Manager. In his new role, Miller is responsible for key customer communication and ensuring program success. A graduate of the Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association’s apprenticeship program, Miller also holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from Rockford University.

Barnard Lamm has been a valuable member of the gear finishing department since joining Forest City Gear. He’s responsible for burr removal on a multitude of parts—ranging from gears that will see service in outer space, to components that will power large industrial machines. As a senior member of the team, his mentorship to younger employees is priceless.  His dedication to quality is exceptional, especially considering the very precise work that is required. He’s an absolute pleasure to work with and his easy-going personality never wavers.

Forest City Gear thanks Fann, Cunningham, Tillman, Klitz, Miller, and Lamm for their above-and-beyond commitment and years of dedication to Excellence Without Exception.

ABOUT FOREST CITY GEAR

Since 1955, Roscoe, IL based, family-owned Forest City Gear has been one of the gear industry’s leading sources for the development, manufacture, and inspection of the highest quality gears for use in applications that range from medical devices to motorcycles, airplanes to automation, including the Mars Perseverance Rover. In 2025, Forest City Gear celebrates 70 years of excellence without exception. Cheers to gears for 70 years!

For more information, visit:  www.forestcitygear.com.