Manufacturing Technology

National Machinery celebrated 150 years of innovation and excellence in the machinery industry by hosting an open house at its Tiffin, Ohio facility in the USA. The event drew industry professionals, clients and enthusiasts eager to witness the advancements that have propelled National Machinery to the forefront of its field.

Kicking off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the local chamber of commerce, the event saw local politicians and dignitaries commend National Machinery’s long-standing commitment to the Tiffin community and its positive impact on the regional economy. US Congressman Bob Latta presented CEO and majority owner Andrew Kalnow with a folded flag that had been flown over the nation’s capital in honour of National Machinery.

Attendees were then treated to an exclusive tour of National Machinery’s state of the art research and development department, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and customer support. The tour also highlighted the advanced machining capabilities that have been integral to National Machinery’s success over the decades.

Demonstrations featured cutting edge technologies including the FORMAX® Plus, equipped with Industry 4.0 capabilities, and the new FXH Lightning. The interactive sessions allowed participants to experience the seamless integration of a Kuka robot with the FORMAX® XXV machine, alongside the precision of SMART thread rollers. The all new Lean Header & Threader also showcased how efficiency is redefined in today’s manufacturing landscape.

In addition to the facility tour, the open house hosted a series of twelve industry related educational technical seminars. These sessions covered a broad range of topics pertinent to modern manufacturing, including machine inspections and predictive maintenance, new FORMAX® technology, as well as the evolving landscape of online tools for operator training and technical support.

Industry experts from various affiliated companies also led discussions on vital subjects, such as the state of the industrial economic market; facility safety; tooling applications; and the historical evolution of National Machinery itself. Each seminar was designed to equip attendees with insights and tools to enhance their operations and strategies in an ever changing market.

Networking opportunities

The open house fostered a tradeshow-like environment during lunch breaks, allowing guests to network with industry professionals and explore a variety of products and services. Booths were staffed by representatives from National Machinery’s customer support, Cleaning Technologies Group LLC/Ransohoff, SMART Machinery, the Industrial Fastener Institute, Drawing Technologies Inc, CONDAT and Brankamp/S&K. This dynamic setting facilitated valuable discussions and partnerships among attendees, enhancing the sense of community within the industry.

Each afternoon, the event featured a classic car show and rally, adding a unique and nostalgic flair to the festivities. National Machinery has a deep history within the automotive industry and for over 100 years has celebrated with a car show, car rally or a car caravan at major anniversaries. Guests were treated to a display of modern and classic cars from different eras and brands. 

A celebration of legacy and innovation

With doors opening at 08:00 each day, the open house was meticulously organised to maximise engagement and learning. Attendees also had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with technical experts, deepening their understanding of both National Machinery’s products and the broader industry landscape.

As the event ended, it was clear that National Machinery’s 150^th anniversary open house was not just a celebration of its storied past, but a look forward into a future filled with promise and innovation. 

“One of the biggest goals was to hopefully enable participants to leave the event inspired and equipped with new knowledge and connections, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the machinery sector,” explained Andrew Kalnow. “This landmark event exemplified National Machinery’s commitment to its customers, partners, and the industry at large, ensuring that the next chapter of its legacy will be just as impactful as the last. As the company looks forward to the future, it remains dedicated to advancing technology and fostering a collaborative community within the machinery industry.”