Methods Machine Tools celebrates 60th anniversary

Sudbury, Massachusetts – This year, Methods Machine Tools Inc. is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded in November of 1958, with 3 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 350 employees, 8 sales and technology centers, and more than 35,000 machines installed throughout North America, ranging from EDM machines to sophisticated 5-axis CNC machining centers to state-of-the-art robotics, automation, and 3D printing solutions.

The company’s founder, Clement McIver Sr., established principles that continue to set Methods apart from conventional importers or distributors: “Anyone can sell a machine. But not everyone provides the extra effort that makes a difference on a company’s bottom line” ~ Clem McIver Sr., 1917 - 1995.

“Staying true to our founder’s vision, we have built an excellent reputation in the machine tool industry by closely partnering with machine builders and customers, as well as providing strong application expertise," says Scott McIver, Methods chairman and third generation owner. "We offer a total service solution from design and applications to engineering, installation, training and unmatched support, to help manufacturers be more profitable, productive, and competitive." 

Methods' product line strategy offers the most advanced technology for each machining discipline or class. Machine tool partners include Nakamura-Tome, Yasda, Fanuc, KIWA-Japan, and Niigata Machine. EDM partners include Fanuc wire EDM's and Ocean Technologies Co. Ltd. In addition, Methods 3D Inc. provides 3D printing solutions through 3D Systems and MarkForged. For measurement and inspection solutions, Methods offers digital optical comparators from VISIONx INC.

Many of Methods' machine manufacturer partnerships have been long term, such as being the exclusive U.S. importer of Nakamura-Tome multitasking turning centers for 35 years, and 25 years with Fanuc as importer of tapping/drilling Fanuc RoboDrill machining centers and Fanuc wire EDM machines for all of North America.

"We are excited to celebrate our 60th anniversary milestone," says Jerry Rex, president & CEO of Methods. "Our dedicated, experienced team, together with our powerful partnerships, have provided us a strong foundation for serving our customers. We are proud of our heritage and are looking forward to further expand our leading technology solutions in machine tools and automation, including the most proficient ways to apply and support them." 

Strategically located across the U.S., Methods Sales and Technology Centers complement an extensive, 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 state-of-the-art automation centers in three locations as well as 3D printing labs throughout the U.S.

To commemorate this milestone, Methods will be hosting open houses, holding technology events and introducing new product lines throughout the year.