About Ingersoll Cutting Tools
Ingersoll's History
Humble Beginnings
In 1887, Winthrop Ingersoll, a young mechanical engineer, became part owner of a milling machine company in Cleveland, Ohio. He assumed control of the company in 1890, changing it's name to Ingersoll Milling Machine Company. In 1891, Ingersoll relocated to Rockford, Illinois, one of the country’s burgeoning new industrial centers. Ingersoll’s first Rockford plant, which employed 19 people, cost $12,000.
1887
World's Largest Milling Machine
Ingersoll creates the worlds largest Milling Machine for General Electric. It weighs 400,000 lbs and represented a major accomplishment for such a young upstart company
1903
The Automotive Boom
Bouyed by a rapidly expanding automotive industry Ingersoll begins a rapid expansion of facilities and workforce. In 1916 Ingersoll marks it's first year of sales over $1,000,000. There are nearly 600 employees on the payroll by the end of World War 1.
1901-1920
Keep on Rolling
Ingersoll develops highly efficient continuous milling, boring, drilling and special machines to manufacture engine blocks. Plant expansion continues, first automobile garages built in 1929.
1921-1930
Continuing to Innovate Through the Depression
The Great Depression didn't slow Ingersoll down. In 1935 Ingersoll builds one of the first machines to automatically transfer engine blocks from one machining station to another.
1931-1940
Purchased by IMC Group
Ingersoll Cutting Tool division is sold to IMC one of the world's largest metalworking companies.
2001
Partial Purchase by Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway purchases an 80% stake in IMC
2006
Full Purchase by Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway purchases the remaining 20% of IMC and Ingersoll becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.
2013
Ingersoll in the 21st Century
Coming soon....
2017
