National Machinery celebrates 150 years

TIFIFN—National Machinery is celebrating 150 years of time and tradition. The company, founded in 1874 in Cleveland, was relocated to Tiffin in 1882 and has grown and evolved as a foundational part of the community. According to the company's website, nationalmachinery.com, William R. Anderson, founder, "set out to supply the industry with the very best and latest machinery for making bolts and nuts." While National's products "have evolved considerably" during its 150 years in operation, said Andrew Kalnow, chairman and CEO, the foundational principle of "bending or pounding metal" remains at the core of the company. From the revolution of hot-forming processes to modern cold-forming techniques, Kalnow said National Machinery has marked numerous milestones and adapted through the ebb and flow of global events and influences. For example, he said, after WWII National Machinery experienced a "big boom" in business fueled by post-war rebuilding and competitors pushed the company to stay competitive. According to the company's website, the Korean War also was a commanding factor in National Machinery's history of innovation and adaptation. "During the early 50's our Maxipres redesign was completed and thrown into the Korean War effort setting new standards in production for jet engine blade forgings," the website states. "For the war period, the government took over practically all of our production capacity to make Maxipresses to forge the jet blades that were so critical to the war effort." More recently, international expansion and the powerful influence of technology have shaped National Machinery's modern business model. National Machinery currently has locations in Germany, China and Japan and thousands of company machines are in use globally. The company not only "leads with the latest products from a new machine standpoint," Kalnow said, but after-market business is a growing division, as the company ensures service on its products, regardless of when a machine was produced. "National Machinery is the most global company in our industry," Kalnow said. In addition, he said, the company has been "propelled by changes in technology and innovations," which have enhanced product precision and expanded product lines. A 2016 example is the engineering of the FORMAX PLUS Model XXV, which is "equipped with a state-of-the-art robotic tool changer," according to the website. The machine "utilizes cutting-edge technology to make tool changes faster, safer and more repeatable." "We've been the tech leader from the beginning," Kalnow said. Kalnow credits the company's successful innovation to "having and keeping good talent." Creating an environment that is conducive to attracting and keeping a strong staff is a key component of National Machinery's vision. "We're very big on talent and training," Kalnow said, and the company strives to "convert short-term employees to long-term employees." Employees who have dedicated 25 years to National Machinery are honored with a plaque in the Tiffin facility's Quarter Century Club. "Over 900 are currently included (in the Quarter Century Club)," said Luke Hafley, marketing specialist at National Machinery, and some employees are close to reaching 50 years of service. A pickleball court, basketball court, pool tables, ping-pong tables and a café are available to National Machinery's Tiffin employees, all of which play a part in providing a fulfilling and family-friendly environment for staff members. Nationalmachinery.com states, "Our employees are our most important assett." Kalnow also reflected on both his family's and the company's presence in the local community. "National and my family have been very committed to the community for decades," he said. From involvement in substantial projects like the football stadium at Tiffin Columbian High School, the Tiffin YMCA and the East Green, to grants awarded to local organizations and individuals, the Kalnow and National Machinery names have been foundational throughout the community. In addition, the National Machinery Foundation awards scholarships each year to local students who are seeking higher education in engineering fields. According to the website, the National Machinery Engineering Scholarship is awarded to a maximum of two high school students annually, providing $10,000 annually for up to five years. The National Machinery Foundation Engineering and Technology Scholarship is awarded to a maximum of four high school seniors annually, providing $3,750 annually for up to four years. Additional information, including eligibility and scholarship rules, is available on the website. National Machinery will celebrate its 150th anniversary with several events the week of Sept. 15. Sept. 16: Celebrating Quarter Century Club members and retirees, followed by a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Sept. 17 through Sept. 19: Open house for our customers and partners, including tours, seminars, and networking opportunities. Sept. 20: Welcoming vendors, partners and other local individuals for a smaller open house. Sept. 22: Family-only open house in the morning followed by a public open house from 1:30-4 p.m. All members of the community are invited and welcome to join in Sunday afternoon's festivities, Hafley said.