Tabet Manufacturing

More than 60 years ago, two brothers founded Tabet Manufacturing Company in Norfolk. They developed and manufactured the first wafer-style electromechanical switches, which fueled the company’s initial growth. From there, they expanded their product line and created custom designed products for the military, many of which are still used on U.S. Navy vessels today.

Jeff Jaycox has served as president of Tabet Manufacturing since acquiring the company in 2004. At that time, Tabet employed a team of about 30 talented professionals and technical specialists and primarily served only the U.S. Navy. Under Jeff’s leadership, the company has grown to more than 100 highly skilled team members, expanded both its product line and customer base and increased sales tenfold. Four years ago, Tabet expanded its footprint by constructing a new building adjacent to the original facility, increasing total operational space from 45,000 to 100,000 square feet. With this additional space, the company has been able to invest in new capital equipment and now operates some of the most advanced manufacturing technology in the region. 

Jeff Jaycox has served as president of Tabet since 2004.

“Over the years, Tabet has developed an extensive suite of advanced equipment to support custom manufacturing programs for both military and industrial customers,” Jeff says. “These projects often begin with prototype development and continue through full-scale production.” Tabet Manufacturing provides a broad range of services, including machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, coatings, and electromechanical assembly. “While we continue to maintain our longstanding relationship with the U.S. Navy and now support the Army and Marine Corps, our commercial work has also become a significant area of growth,” Jeff adds. “We increasingly partner with companies across diverse industries that rely on high-quality, custom-engineered components, and that segment of our business continues to expand each year.”

Tabet Manufacturing partners with companies to create custom designed products. 

The Tabet team thrives on problem-solving and driving innovative solutions. “Manufacturing is not as straightforward as it used to be, so we consider ourselves problem solvers,” Jeff says. “We rely on our advanced equipment and our talented team to deliver high-value solutions and meaningful innovations for our customers. The work can certainly be challenging, but we like to say, ‘If it was easy, we wouldn’t be doing it.’” 

Tabet’s relationship with TowneBank began through a personal connection: Jeff’s two boys played sports with the son of TowneBank president and CEO Billy Foster. “I spent a lot of time at sporting events—mostly tennis—and that’s where I got to know Billy,” Jeff recalls. “He mentioned that if we ever needed banking support, we should reach out. When the time was right, I met with Billy and planned our transition to TowneBank from my previous bank, where I had been for many years.” 

Jeff grew up in a small town, where his family was closely connected to their local community bank. That early experience shaped his appreciation for personalized service and the importance of strong community ties—values he continues to prioritize today. “I have always been very impressed by the level of commitment TowneBank has in our local community. That’s the kind of bank I knew I wanted to be associated with,” Jeff says. “Today, we rely on Towne not only for banking, but also for insurance, employee benefits, and our 401(k) plan through the Towne family of companies. I get calls all the time from firms wanting us to switch our insurance or retirement plans, but banking is a personal relationship to me—and Towne is one of the few banks that still truly values its members.” 

Two years ago, Jeff was invited to serve on the TowneBank Norfolk Board, a role he has greatly enjoyed. “My family is still closely associated with a bank outside of Virginia, so I have continued to closely follow the industry,” he explains. “It wasn’t the career path I chose, but banking is something I understand well.  When Towne approached me about serving on the regional board, I was happy to participate in that capacity. Tabet and Towne have a lot in common, especially in the way we treat our people. We both strive to provide the very best for our team, and TowneBank exemplifies that same commitment.”

For more information, visit TabetMfg.com. 

Tabet Manufacturing has increased its facility to 100,000 square feet and has more than 100 highly skilled team members.