One partner. Every step.
Every mission begins with a challenge. At UPI Manufacturing, we help customers transform ideas into manufacturable, mission-ready solutions through engineering, precision manufacturing, and vertically integrated production—all under one roof.
From concept and design through laser cutting, machining, fabrication, finishing, inspection, assembly, and delivery, our experienced team manages every stage of the manufacturing process with precision, accountability, and craftsmanship. The result is a seamless partnership that reduces complexity, shortens lead times, and delivers confidence from the first drawing to the final shipment.
As a family-owned, ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer and Tier 1 government military supplier, UPI proudly supports the warfighter while providing the same commitment to quality and performance for commercial customers across a wide range of industries.
Deeds, not words.
At UPI, we believe trust is earned through action. Every design refined, every component manufactured, every inspection completed, and every shipment delivered reflects our commitment to quality, accountability, and the people who depend on our work.
Our leadership is motivated by patriotism, empowered by God, committed to victory.
Jeff “Chief” Dretzka, Sr.
To employees, customers, and friends alike, Jeff Dretzka is simply known as Chief. As President of UPI Manufacturing, Chief has spent more than four decades building businesses founded on hard work, integrity, and a commitment to serving customers with excellence.
Chief’s work ethic was shaped early in life while working alongside his father in the sewer construction industry. Those years inspired the title “Sewer Rat” one he still wears with pride because it represents where he came from and the belief that no job is beneath a good leader. Those early experiences instilled the perseverance, personal responsibility, and willingness to do whatever was necessary to get the job done right.
Chief is a humble yet determined leader with faith in Jesus Christ and love for his country continue to shape his leadership philosophy. These beliefs developed the UPI mission statement, “Motivated by Patristism, Inspired by God, Committed to Victory”
In 1984, Chief, his father Leo, and his brother Norb founded Underground Pipeline, Inc., building a respected sewer and water construction company from the ground up. Nearly twenty years later, Chief and his son, Jeffrey, expanded the family business by establishing UPI Manufacturing, bringing those same values into defense manufacturing.
Today, UPI supplies high-quality fabricated products and components in support of the United States military. Chief believes the company’s greatest responsibility is to provide America&’s warfighters with products they can trust. Under his leadership, UPI has remained committed to continuous improvement, lasting customer relationships, and the principle that has guided the company from the beginning: “Deeds Not Words”.
Chief believes leadership is measured less by titles, and more by the people you help develop. Through mentorship, servant leadership, and leading by example, he has built a culture that challenges people to grow while giving them the opportunity to succeed.
His commitment to integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement continues to shape the next generation of leaders at UPI.
Outside of work, Chief’s greatest priorities are his faith and his family. He and his wife, Linda, have shared more than fifty years of marriage and are proud parents and grandparents. He remains grateful for the opportunity to build a company that reflects his values while supporting the men and women who serve our country.
Jeffrey “Jeffro” Dretzka, Jr.
Jeffrey D. Dretzka is Vice President and co-founder of UPI Manufacturing, a family-owned, vertically integrated manufacturer serving the United States Department of Defense and commercial customers from its facilities in southeastern Wisconsin. Since founding UPI Manufacturing in 2003 alongside his father, Jeff has helped build the company into a trusted manufacturing partner known for engineering expertise, precision craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to supporting the warfighter.
Jeff's manufacturing philosophy was shaped long before UPI Manufacturing was established. Beginning at the age of 14, he worked alongside his father in Wisconsin's demanding construction industry, gaining a practical understanding of hard work, accountability, and problem-solving. More than twelve years spent working above and below ground instilled the solutions-driven mindset that continues to guide his leadership today. As Jeff often says, "I don't have problems—I have solutions."
Under Jeff's leadership, UPI has grown into a world-class manufacturing operation offering engineering, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, fabrication, machining, welding, surface finishing, quality assurance, assembly, and delivery—all managed under one roof. Every Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) includes components manufactured by UPI, reflecting the company's reputation for precision, reliability, and excellence in support of the nation's defense. Jeff's expertise has been earned through decades of hands-on manufacturing, engineering collaboration, government contracting, and close partnership with the Department of Defense.
Although his responsibilities now include leading strategy, cultivating customer relationships, and guiding the company's continued growth, Jeff is still happiest on the shop floor—working alongside his team, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and continuously improving the way UPI serves its customers. Guided by his faith, his commitment to the men and women who serve our nation, and the company's enduring motto, "Deeds Not Words," he remains focused on building a company that delivers quality, earns trust, and is always ready for the next challenge.
Michael “Buster” Showalter
Michael "Buster" Showalter oversees operations at UPI Manufacturing, leading the people and processes that keep projects moving efficiently from planning through final delivery. A former Petty Officer First Class (E-6) in the U.S. Navy's submarine nuclear propulsion program, Michael later worked in the commercial nuclear power industry before returning to UPI. Those experiences instilled a commitment to precision, accountability, and building dependable systems that deliver consistent results.
Michael believes great manufacturing begins with great people. His leadership focuses on removing obstacles, strengthening processes, and creating an environment where every team member has the tools and support to succeed. Whether improving workflows or working alongside the team on the shop floor, his goal is the same: deliver quality products customers can trust—on time, every time.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys cycling, reading, tackling home improvement projects, and spending time with his three children. Today, he is proud to help lead a team that manufactures products supporting the men and women who serve our country. Whether at home or at the plant, he is always looking for better ways to build, improve, and solve problems.
