Methods Celebrates 60 Years as North American Supplier

This year, Methods Machine Tools Inc., a North American supplier of precision machine tools, automation and additive manufacturing products, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded in November of 1958, with three employees and a few refurbished machines, the company has grown into one of the largest high precision machine tool suppliers in North America. Methods today has roughly 350 employees, eight sales and technology centers and over 35,000 machines installed throughout North America, ranging from EDM machines to five-axis CNC machining centers to robotics, automation and 3D printing solutions.

The company’s founder Mr. Clement McIver Sr. established principles for Methods: “Anyone can sell a machine. But not everyone provides the extra effort that makes a difference on a company’s bottom line.” 

“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 Mr. 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 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 EDM's and new partner 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.

Demonstrating a commitment to quality and reliability, 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 North America. The relationships with Nakamura-Tome and FANUC have provided Methods’ customers machine technology solutions for decades and, in addition, Methods’ attention to applications and dedicated service ensures productive, profitable, customer-centric solutions and support.

“We are excited to celebrate our 60th anniversary milestone,” says Mr. Jerry Rex, president and 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.”  

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