Manufacturing News of Note: April 2018

Absolute Machine Tools Inc. (Lorain, Ohio) is marking its 30th year as a machine tool importer and distributor in North America.

Steve Ortner and Hayden Wellman founded the company in 1988 in a garage. While working as a representative for digital readout maker Anilam, Mr. Ortner made contact with Taiwanese machine tool manufacturer Johnford in 1990, which became the company’s first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partner. Partnerships with You Ji and Tongtai came next, followed by relationships with Nexturn, QuickTech and Precihole.

In 2009, the company bought a building in Mason, Ohio, and added the AccuteX line. In 2013, it opened a technical center in Elgin, Illinois, and achieved authorized integrator status with FANUC Robotics America. In 2017, it acquired Advanced Machinery Systems, becoming the exclusive importer/distributor of Lico machines. Yougar also became a partner in 2017. Read more.

Here is more news to note:

• Eckhart Opens Advanced Technology Center – The company’s technology showcase will include engineering and assembly of its autonomous guided vehicles and an additive manufacturing laboratory, among other things.
• Institute to Develop Cybersecurity Hub for Manufacturing – The Digital Manufacturing Design and Innovation Institute will research cybersecurity threats to assist U.S. manufacturers in protecting their systems.
• Coordinate Measurement Society Launches Two Certification Programs – The two certification levels will focus on best practices and personal expertise to enable metrologists to reach their professional-development goals.