U.S. Machine Tool Companies Celebrate Century-Plus Anniversaries

Reports of the "death of U.S. manufacturing" have circulated since the passage of NAFTA, but two U.S. machine tool makers ? each in operation for more than 125 years ? continue to be relevant as key enablers for improving world living standards with low-cost energy, transportation, mined resources and food production.

The Fond du Lac, WI, and Hebron, KY, operations of MAG (Erlanger, KY) recently celebrated birthdays 150 and 125, respectively. The manufacturing innovations, process improvements and desire to "find a better way" that drove these companies to the top are still the key to their future as they introduce new technologies for the next wave of aerospace, heavy equipment, energy and transportation manufacturing.

Design advancements, such as multi-function machines that produce more parts with less labor and fewer machines, and modular design for rapid customization, as well as a commitment to Six Sigma and Lean principles, have made Fond du Lac-built machines perennial favorites of large-part manufacturers around the world. Likewise, the Hebron-based operation leads the world in aerospace metalworking and composites processing technologies. It recently expanded its composites portfolio with introduction of new technologies for wind-turbine blades and fuel-saving automotive components. The company has also quietly become a significant supplier of automated production systems for the PV thin-film solar panel market.

Giddings & Lewis, Inc. began in 1859 as a small machine shop serving the sawmills, gristmills and paper mills of Fond du Lac. Within 50 years it had built the first gray iron foundry in Wisconsin and began manufacturing industrial steam engines and engine lathes. Today, the Fond du Lac facility builds some of the largest machine tools in the world to cut materials and make parts that could never have been conceived 150 years ago.

The company?s step-ahead engineering introduced modularity to large-machine design in the last decade, allowing economical customization of massive boring mills, vertical turning centers and machining centers, and enabling industry's fastest build and delivery. As customers' operations become leaner and more specialized, modular machine designs give customers an edge, allowing them to tailor a new machine to the application and enter markets faster than competitors. The company?s Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing programs have led to numerous awards from customers, such as a Supplier Quality Excellence Process Certification (SQEP) from Caterpillar this year.

The Hebron facility traces its roots to the Cincinnati Milling Machine Company, established in 1884. The "find a better way" philosophy of the company?s founder is still evident, with MAG leading the development of lean, automated solutions for producing composite and machined metal parts. The company demonstrated its leadership in aerospace metalworking earlier this year, completing delivery of 34 machines to Russia for the world?s largest producer of titanium.

The company is also the inventor and world leader in automated composites processing machines for making parts with carbon fiber and tape, which have revolutionized commercial and military aircraft designs and performance. That same expertise drove this year?s introduction of automated composites systems for manufacturing wind-turbine blades and lightweight automotive components. The facility's automotive composites system ? also introduced this year ? is the first to meet industry requirements for part cost and volume, while producing components that are 40-60 percent lighter than steel.

These businesses in Fond du Lac and Hebron may be old chronologically, but there is nothing old about these companies? cultures, and their longevity is proof that innovation to meet society?s needs is always in style.

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