Ingersoll Machine Tools
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing, Aerospace, Metalworking |
| Founded | 1891 |
| Founder | Winthrop Ingersoll |
| Headquarters | Rockford, Illinois , United States |
Area served | Global |
| Products | Large five-axis milling machines, 3D printers, automated fiber placement systems |
Number of employees | 2000 |
| Parent | Camozzi Group |
| Website | ingersoll |
Ingersoll Machine Tools is a manufacturer headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, specializing in the production of large-scale machinery for metal cutting, additive manufacturing, and automated fiber placement technologies.
History
The company was established in 1891 by Winthrop Ingersoll, who moved W.R. Eynon & Co. from Cleveland to Rockford. Initially, the firm concentrated on milling equipment and metal removal techniques. It secured significant contracts with General Electric and, by 1917, employed approximately 600 people contributing to wartime manufacturing efforts.
Over time, Ingersoll broadened its scope to include tailor-made machinery for the aerospace and automotive industries. From the 1960s through the 1980s, the workforce grew to about 2,000 employees as the company pioneered CNC technology to enhance automation in production.
Bankruptcy
In 2003, Ingersoll International declared bankruptcy and was subsequently purchased by Italy’s Camozzi Group. Since this acquisition, Ingersoll has reshaped its market strategy by continuing its milling machine production while also venturing into cutting-edge manufacturing solutions.
Present activities
Currently, Ingersoll Machine Tools delivers sophisticated equipment such as large five-axis milling machines, substantial 3D printers, and automated fiber placement (AFP) systems tailored for aerospace applications. The company manufactured wing molds for Mitsubishi, a supplier for Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. In 2010, it earned the Best Supplier Award from Alenia Aeronautica.
Its AFP systems are deployed at UTC Aerospace Systems (formerly Goodrich Corporation) in Riverside, California, where they are used to construct engine nacelles for Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft.
Ingersoll remains active in the metal cutting sector with a focus on Defense, Aerospace, and wind power industries. Additionally, it has provided machinery to NASA.
Beyond its core machine tool business, Ingersoll has contributed to astronomy by constructing large telescopes, including the mount for the Giant Magellan Telescope planned for installation in Chile.
Recognition
In 2019, Guinness World Records recognized Ingersoll for creating the World's Largest 3D Printer, named MasterPrint, which is installed at the University of Maine. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce honored Ingersoll as Manufacturer of the Year in 2020.