About Ingersoll Cutting Tools
Ingersoll's History
1887
Winthrop Ingersoll, an eminent mechanical engineer, purchases an interest in W.R. Eynon and Company of Cleveland, manufacturers of milling machinery.
1889
Upon the death of W.R. Eynon, Ingersoll buys the controlling interest in the company, and incorporates under the name of Ingersoll Milling Machine Company.
1889
Ingersoll Milling Machine Company is granted its first patent for the Porcupine Cutter.
1891
Ingersoll relocates to Rockford, Illinois, one of the country's burgeoning new industrial centers. Its first Rockford plant, which employs 19 people, costs $12,000.
1902
Ingersoll manufactures the largest milling machine of its time, a 200-ton mill for Allis-Chalmers.
1916
Ingersoll expands its facilities and workforce and does its first year of $1M in sales.
1923
Plant expansion continues. First automobile garages built in 1923.
1924
Ingersoll builds the first transfer line for the automatic machining of engine blocks. In 1929, the Great Depression strikes.
1930s
Following the Depression, prosperity begins to return, and Ingersoll purchases and adds the Schumann Piano plant to its existing facilities.
1951
An Ingersoll milling machine for Fiat Company
1954
Use of aluminum skyrockets. Ingersoll builds an aluminum “scalper” for the production of high-quality aluminum ingots.
1956
Ingersoll milling machine for General Electric
1962
Ingersoll milling machine for Bethlehem Steel
1963
Ingersoll milling machine for Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA)
1964
Ingersoll milling machine for Westinghouse
1968
Testing an EDM multilead machine cutting slots in carbide for IBM punch machines
1971
Following the acquisition of two German companies, Ingersoll surpasses $37M in sales and becomes the 15th-largest US metal cutting tool manufacturer.
1990
Ingersoll develops the largest vertical turning machine in the world to assist in making dam parts for an Argentinian hydro power company.
2001
Ingersoll Cutting Tool division is sold to IMC, one of the world's largest metal working companies.
2002
Ingersoll Cutting Tool Company becomes a full-line supplier, dramatically increasing product offerings for all metal removal applications.
2011
GoldRush campaign introduces 40 new products emphasizing specialized coating and post-coating treatment.
2012
Ingersoll opens new 50,000 sq ft distribution and technical center in Rockford, IL.
2013
Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway purchases IMC, making Ingersoll Cutting Tool Company a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.
2015
Ingersoll launches the "Big Cutter" mobile marketing program in which we bring an array of new tools to our customers, accompanied by a freshly-grilled meal.
2020
SFeedUP campaign introduces 35 new product lines that focus higher productivity through higher speeds and feeds.
2024
WinSFeed campaign introduces or expands 34 product lines that continue to focus on hi-speed and hi-feed machining.
2024
Ingersoll Cutting Tool Company is an exhibitor for its 13th consecutive International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in the 21st century.
2025
Ingersoll celebrates 10 years of mobile marketing aboard the Big Cutter. New destinations, new tools, same delicious menu.
Photo credits:
1887 - Biblio.com
1889 - Midway Village Museum
1891 - Midway Village Museum
1902 - Midway Village Museum
1916 - Midway Village Museum
1923 - Midway Village Museum
1930s - Midway Village Museum
1951 - Midway Village Museum
1956 - Midway Village Museum
1962 - Midway Village Museum
1963 - Midway Village Museum
1964 - Midway Village Museum
1968 - Midway Village Museum
1971 - WaldrichSiegen
1990 - Midway Village Museum
