CONCEPT ADDS TWO NEW COMPANIES, EXPANDING CAPABILITIES AND REACH
Acquisitions fortify the company’s capabilities and expand its service area in the precision manufacturing space
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – September 2023
Concept, the Midwest’s leading source for advanced manufacturing solutions, today announced that the company has completed two acquisitions that will further expand its capabilities, expertise and geographic reach: American Calibration Inc. and Inspection Engineering LLC. Both Midwest-based businesses will retain their leadership and autonomy while benefiting from investments and synergies that come from being part of the growing Concept family.
“The precision manufacturing industry is rapidly evolving,” explained Concept CEO Andrew Hecker. “Bringing together services that complement the products we offer makes sense for all involved. Whether a customer is looking to make, measure, calibrate or automate, we’re now able to advise and support them more efficiently and comprehensively,” he continued, “and help them make the most of their equipment with education and training.”
Based near Chicago, American Calibration was founded in 1992 by Todd Gibson, who spent three decades building a nationally known company with vast capabilities. Today, American Calibration serves both Fortune 500 customers and small manufacturers, offering more than 350 types of accredited calibration (among the largest ISO 17025 scopes available) with the highest precision available. Gibson explained, “This business is all about taking care of customers and meeting exacting standards.” He continued, “We are thrilled to join Concept, which shares the same commitment to excellence and professionalism as we do, expands our business to eight new facilities, and new customers. It’s a natural match.”
The second acquisition, Inspection Engineering, is a full-service gage house offering inspection services and equipment throughout the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic region, covering part or all of eight states including Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. A second-generation business, Inspection Engineering is led by President Michael Bergmann, whose father founded the company in 1977. Inspection Engineering provides dimensional measuring products and services, software training and calibration services. Bergmann noted, “We take incredible pride in our family business, and wanted to grow with a partner who shares the values that have made us successful for the past 45 years.” He continued, “We’ve always believed in educating our customers so that they can make the most of their equipment and business, and wanted to align with a company that shares those beliefs.”
These moves are part of a strategic plan to cement Concept’s position as the Midwest’s top source for advanced manufacturing solutions and deepen its functional expertise in machining, automation, precision measurement, calibration services and additive manufacturing. Concept CEO Andrew Hecker explained, “After several successful acquisitions, we have confidence that our focus on developing our people, processes and technology is sound and scalable.” He continued, “With Inspection Engineering, we’re expanding into a significant new region in a business we know well, and with American Calibration, we’re deepening our calibration capabilities and bringing them to the national level.” He concluded, “We’re definitely seeing the results and the momentum building, so it’s an exciting time.”
About Concept
Concept, based in Minneapolis, MN, and with offices in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois, is the Midwest’s best source for advanced manufacturing solutions. Since 1974, Concept has provided quality machine tools and metrology solutions to manufacturers across medical device, aerospace, industrial, automotive, and heavy vehicle industries. Today, Concept is leading precision manufacturing toward a future that’s increasingly automated by providing high-end solutions to keep customers ahead of the competition, along with the support they need to handle the toughest manufacturing challenges.
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Concept wins 2023 BOLD Award from Association for Corporate Growth Minnesota (ACGMN)
Annual BOLD Awards honor and highlight the innovative and inspirational organizations that make Minnesota great.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – March 2023
Concept, the Midwest’s leading source for advanced manufacturing solutions, today announced that the company is the recipient of the 2023 BOLD Award. The BOLD Awards are presented by the Association for Corporate Growth Minnesota (ACGMN), and showcase the efforts and successes of top Minnesota companies that grow their organizations and create positive impacts on the Minnesota economy and its communities.
The BOLD Awards honor remarkable performance and accelerated growth across industries and organizational sizes. Concept, which serves customers over nine states with high-end precision manufacturing solutions – including machine tools, metrology, and automation – won the Bold Award for middle-market companies with $20-$250 million in revenue.
Concept’s recognition stemmed from the company’s dedication to Minnesota’s workforce development and its commitment to helping customers grow and reshore production as the manufacturing industry becomes increasingly automated and competitive. Concept team members are active at schools in the metro area – including Minneapolis, Elk River, and Anoka – and help foster the next generation of manufacturing excellence by designing curricula, teaching, and serving on boards.
Concept recently invested in two acquisitions that increased its workforce and expanded its geographic footprint. Concept’s service, automation, and calibration teams have also tripled in size in two years, allowing the company to service its customers 35% faster than before. A third of the company has been hired in the past 24 months.
“Given the dynamism and excellence of Minnesota’s manufacturing industry, this award is extremely meaningful to Concept and our team,” said Andrew Hecker, Concept CEO. “The BOLD Award recognizes our growth and commitment to bringing value and innovation to our customers, our industry, and the communities where we work.”
About Concept
Concept, based in Minneapolis, MN, and with offices in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois, is the Midwest’s best source for advanced manufacturing solutions. Since 1974, Concept has provided quality machine tools and metrology solutions to manufacturers across medical device, aerospace, industrial, automotive, and heavy vehicle industries. Today, Concept is leading precision manufacturing toward a future that’s increasingly automated by providing high-end solutions to keep customers ahead of the competition, along with the support they need to handle the toughest manufacturing challenges.
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CONCEPT EVOLVES FOR THE FUTURE
Concept Machine Tool evolves capabilities, leadership, and name to become Concept — bringing unmatched knowledge and comprehensive offerings to the precision manufacturing industry.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – February, 2023
Concept Machine Tool, a company that has spent the past 45 years providing quality machine tools and metrology solutions, has evolved its capabilities, leadership, and name to become Concept.
Taking the company’s core strengths and assets to the next level with a new leadership team and strategic plan, Concept has established itself as the Midwest’s top source for advanced manufacturing solutions — leading the industry toward a future that’s increasingly automated. Concept CEO Andrew Hecker explained the path forward: “In addition to providing machines from the world’s leading manufacturers, we are now offering our customers innovative, expert solutions and services – from process improvements or inspection services to determining how to be more efficient in the future. With locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois, we offer proximity and expertise to our customers.”
He continued, “We’ve stepped up our game and are changing our name to reflect all that we now offer. With a seasoned professional leadership team and clear vision for the future, we are prepared to lead this organization to its next level of growth.”
As part of its evolution, the company recently added B.C. MacDonald & Co. to its family of companies. “Acquiring B.C. MacDonald demonstrates how Concept is investing for growth,” said Hecker. “With B.C. MacDonald in our portfolio we’ve added increased capabilities and expanded our geographic footprint to nine states. Concept is an even stronger partner for our customers and suppliers.”
About Concept
Concept, based in Minneapolis, MN, and with offices in Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois, is the Midwest’s top source for advanced manufacturing solutions. For more than 45 years, Concept has been recognized for its industry-leading sales and service programs. Today, Concept is leading precision manufacturing toward a future that’s increasingly automated by providing high-end solutions to keep customers ahead of the competition, along with the support they need to handle the toughest manufacturing challenges.
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FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS MAKE KITAMURA MACHINING CENTERS IDEAL FOR LIGHTS-OUT MANUFACTURING
Precision and rigidity of the MedCenter5AX simultaneous 5-axis machining center allow manufacturers to automate production with confidence
Mt. Prospect, IL – May, 2022 – Kitamura Machinery, the premier manufacturer of precision horizontal, vertical and 5-axis machining centers, announced today that the company will reveal an all new, all-in-one automation solution for its MedCenter5AX 5-axis simultaneous vertical machining center at IMTS 2022 in Chicago, September 12th-17th, Booth #339133, South Hall. Demonstrating the core qualities for lights-out production the MedCenter5AX will feature a newly designed and field expandable 24-station automatic pallet changer with a high performance 120 tool ATC – all in a super compact, space saving footprint, incorporating an unmanned machining development process for a multi-tasking machining environment that maximizes uptime.
Read the full release here.
Concept Machine Appointed Distributor for UNITED GRINDING North America
Minneapolis, MN – May 2022
UNITED GRINDING North America has appointed Concept Machine as its exclusive distributor for cylindrical, surface, and profile grinding as well as tool making and measuring through five states for sales, service, and consumables. “United Grinding is a premier supplier and will be a great partner to Concept and our customers. We are thrilled to offer the UGA brands of Studer, Walter, Mägerle, Blohm and more to solve customers’ most demanding application needs,” said Andrew Hecker, CEO of Concept Machine.
UNITED GRINDING North America (UGA) is pleased to be working together with Concept Machine Tool (Concept). Markus Stolmar, President, and CEO of UNITED GRINDING North America stated, “We are very excited to be partnering with Concept Machine Tool to provide cylindrical, surface & profile, and tool grinding and measuring technologies to manufacturers in their portion of the Midwest territory. Adding CNC grinding to their robust lineup of manufacturing technologies was a perfect fit, and their track record of building relationships with manufacturers made this an easy decision.”
Concept has a proud heritage serving manufacturers with machine tool, metrology and additive manufacturing solutions, applications, and service since 1974. Concept now represents UGA exclusively in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. UNITED GRINDING North America is among the leading providers of superior technology and service to the machine tool industry.
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Concept is well equipped to serve customers’ needs for high-precision grinding including service and applications questions. “UNITED GRINDING North America places sales and service managers strategically throughout the North American territory to ensure we can deliver the best service and sales experiences in the shortest amount of time. Bringing Concept Machine Tool into our network of dealer partners helps us fulfill our strategic vision of being the sales and service leaders in our industry and empowers the team at Concept to offer some of the best CNC grinding equipment in the world,” says Stolmar.
Concept Machine Tool (Concept), established in 1974, has been recognized for their industry-leading sales and service programs. For over 45 years, Concept has focused on being a partner to our customers, not just a supplier. Concept provides high-end solutions that keep our customers ahead of the competition, along with the support they need to handle the toughest manufacturing challenges.
About UNITED GRINDING North America, Inc.:
With nearly 200 employees across the U.S., Canada and Mexico and a new 110,000-sq.-ft. headquarters in Miamisburg, Ohio, UNITED GRINDING North America, Inc., strives to increase its customers’ competitiveness through grinding and ultra-precision finishing solutions for the manufacturing industry, backed by single-source customer care. The company’s surface and profile, cylindrical and tool grinding technology groups cultivate a partnership-based relationship throughout the region, selling, automating, rebuilding, and supporting precision machines for grinding, eroding, laser ablation, combination machining and measuring under the MÄGERLE, BLOHM, JUNG, STUDER, SCHAUDT, MIKROSA, WALTER and EWAG brands. A subsidiary of the UNITED GRINDING GROUP, the company holds ISO 9001 certification to assure quality in development, production, shipping, and support operations. UNITED GRINDING North America, Inc., also holds International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Registration. Learn more at grinding.com.
Concept Machine Appointed Exclusive Distributor for STAR CNC
Minneapolis, MN – March, 2022
STAR CNC has appointed Concept Machine as its exclusive distributor for its Swiss-type Machine Tools through nine states for sales, service, and consumables.
STAR CNC is pleased to be working together with Concept Machine Tool (Concept). Concept has a proud heritage of machine tool, metrology and 3D sales, applications, and service since 1974, and will represent STAR CNC in Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, Southern Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
Concept is proud to provide world class machines, innovation, and technology to precision machining, aerospace, and medical parts industries. Star CNC Machine Tool Corp. is among the leading providers of superior technology and service to the machine tool industry.
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Delafield, WI, with sister companies B.C. MacDonald (St. Louis, Missouri) and Metrology Center (Lisle, Illinois), Concept is well equipped to serve customers’ needs for Swiss-type Machine Tools including service and applications questions.
Concept has a trained service and applications team to support your investment. Moving forward if you have any needs for sales, service, and consumables please reach out to Concept Machine Tool for world class solutions.
Concept Machine Tool (Concept), established in 1974, has been recognized for their industry-leading sales and service programs. For over 45 years, Concept has focused on being a partner to our customers, not just a supplier. Concept provides high-end solutions that keep our customers ahead of the competition, along with the support they need to handle the toughest manufacturing challenges.
About STAR CNC:
Founded in 1948, Star CNC is a division of Star Micronics Co., Ltd. of Japan, one of the world’s most respected manufacturers of Swiss-type turning machines for the production of small, complex and precise metal components. They are Star Micronics’ exclusive distributors in the United States.
Star CNC’s mission is to continually develop fast and efficient high quality, reliable and robust machines to manage the rigorous demands of today’s fast-paced 24/7 production environment. Star CNC looks beyond machine dynamics as their engineers seek to continually improve machine ergonomics, machine/worker safety and advance environmentally-friendly production. Application engineers are dedicated to helping their customers find the optimal off-the-shelf or custom configured Star CNC machine solution to deliver maximum production efficiency and cost-savings.
Concept Machine Tool Appointed Exclusive Distributor for Farsoon Technologies
Minneapolis, MN – July 2021
Farsoon Technologies has appointed Concept Machine as its exclusive distributor for its metal and plastic laser powder bed fusion 3D printers and additive manufacturing products through nine states for sales, service, and consumables.
Farsoon is pleased to be working together with Concept Machine Tool (Concept). Concept has a proud heritage of machine tool, metrology and 3D sales, applications, and service since 1974, and will represent Farsoon in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota.
Concept is proud to provide world class machines, innovation, and technology to precision machining, aerospace, and medical parts suppliers. Farsoon’s high quality, industrial level machines are an excellent fit to its other complementary product lines.
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Delafield, WI, with sister companies B.C. MacDonald (St. Louis, Missouri) and Metrology Center (Lisle, Illinois), Concept is well equipped to serve customers’ 3D printing and applications questions and equipment needs. Concept may also be able to help customers with 3D print jobs- please inquire for availability.
Concept has a trained service and applications team to support your investment. Moving forward if you have any needs for sales, service, and consumables please reach out to Concept Machine Tool for world class solutions.
Concept Machine Tool (Concept), established in 1974, has been recognized for their industry-leading sales and service programs. For over 45 years, Concept has focused on being a partner to our customers, not just a supplier. Concept provides high-end solutions that keep our customers ahead of the competition, along with the support they need to handle the toughest manufacturing challenges.
About Farsoon Americas:
OPEN FOR INDUSTRY – Farsoon Technologies is a global manufacturer and technology innovator offering an extensive product line of industrial level polymer and metal laser powder bed fusion systems featuring a variety of build sizes and processing capabilities that suits many industries and markets. Farsoon collaborates with many industry-leading companies as well as pioneering researchers to successfully grow additive manufacturing all over the globe. Farsoon Americas Corp. is located in Austin, Texas, USA with a dedicated team of additive experts in sales and field service support catering to the North American market.
Concept Machine acquires B.C. MacDonald and Metrology Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 5, 2021 – Concept Machine, a Midwestern US capital goods and consumables distributor, has closed on its acquisition of B.C. MacDonald & Co. and its subsidiary Metrology Center. Concept Machine sells and services specialty machine tools, measuring and gaging equipment, and additive manufacturing equipment along with related consumables across six states. B.C. MacDonald sells and services measuring and gaging equipment, specialized cutting tools, and cutting fluids and coolants across four states.
The acquisition positions both companies for growth. Together, the combined company reaches nine states including Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. With nearly 100 team members and deep functional expertise in automation, machining, precision measurement, and additive manufacturing, the combined company serves as a one-stop shop for aerospace, medical device, heavy machinery, general industrial and defense industries and their tiers.
“Acquiring B.C. MacDonald makes Concept a stronger partner for our customers and suppliers,” said Andrew Hecker, CEO of Concept Machine. “With B.C. MacDonald’s rich history, strong team, complementary geography and product lines, and a similar dedication to delivering the right solutions for its customers as Concept, this is a great match. We are investing for growth.”
US manufacturers rely on precision measuring equipment to produce engineered products with ever tighter tolerances. Both Concept and B.C. MacDonald provide these to customers, along with value-added training, service and support. Both also support a continued trend in automation, whether partial or fully lights out, helping manufacturers retain or re-shore operations in the US.
“Through three generations B.C. MacDonald & Co has worked hard to be better and the acquisition by Concept Machine will assure our customers, employees and suppliers we have achieved this for yet another generation.” Adds Reggie MacDonald, President of B.C. MacDonald & Co. “Concept Machine’s solid reputation in machine tools, metrology, perishable tooling and services is complemented by B.C. MacDonald in this Midwest market and our customers and suppliers will benefit from our combined talents.”
Concept Machine and B.C. MacDonald have commenced informing customers and suppliers of the combination and plan future announcements supporting their combined growth plans.