Methods Machine Tools Celebrates 60 Years in Business in 2018
Methods Machine Tools celebrates its 60th anniversary by looking back on how it has grown as a company.
This year, Methods Machine Tools Inc., a North American supplier of precision machine tools, automation and additive manufacturing solutions, is celebrating its 60-year anniversary. Founded in November of 1958 with three employees and a few refurbished machines, Methods has grown into one of the largest high-precision machine tool suppliers in North America. Today, Methods has roughly 350 employees, eight sales and technology centers and over 35,000 machines installed throughout North America, ranging from EDM machines to sophisticated five-Axis CNC machining centers to state-of-the-art robotics, automation and 3D printing solutions.
According to Scott McIver, Methods chairman and third generation owner, the company stays consistent with its founder’s vision to provide extra effort to its customers by building a positive reputation within the tooling industry, which it does by collaborating with machine builders and customers and by providing application skills. They offer assistance with design and application, engineering, installation, training and unmatched support in order to help manufacturers be more profitable, productive and competitive.
Methods' product line strategy offers technology for each machining discipline or class. Machine tool partners include Nakamura-Tome, Yasda, FANUC, KIWA-Japan and most recently, Niigata Machine. EDM partners include FANUC Wire EDMs and new partner Ocean Technologies Co. Ltd. In addition, Methods 3D Inc. provides the industry's most advanced 3D printing solutions through 3D Systems and MarkForged. For measurement and inspection solutions, Methods offers digital optical comparators from VISIONx Inc.
Many of Methods's machine manufacturer partnerships have been long term. For example, Methods has been a United States importer of Nakamura-Tome multitasking turning centers for 35 years, and for 25 years it has worked with FANUC as an importer of the tapping and drilling FANUC RoboDrill machining centers and FANUC Wire EDM machines for all of North America. The close, collaborative relationships with Nakamura-Tome and FANUC have provided Methods's customers machine technology solutions for decades. In addition, Methods's close attention to applications and dedicated service ensures productive, profitable, customer centric solutions and support.
Methods Sales and Technology Centers in the United States create a national network of distributors and dealers, offering the latest technology and automation solutions, machines, training, spare parts and engineering support demanded by manufacturers. In addition, the company has automation centers in three locations as well as 3D printing labs across the country.
To commemorate its anniversary milestone, Methods will be hosting open houses, holding technology events and introducing new product lines throughout the year.
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