Seneca County Commissioners commend National Machinery for 150 years of impact

By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator

In 1874, William R. Anderson founded National Machinery in Cleveland. Thankfully for Seneca County, the business moved to Tiffin in 1882, where it stayed for the remainder of its 150-year history. On Sept. 20, Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart was among the dignitaries who attended an open house at National Machinery as part of the business’ 150^th anniversary celebration.

When Anderson founded National Machinery, he started with a workforce of ten employees and a dream of creating a reputable name in the production of machinery for making nuts and bolts. Today, the company boasts hundreds of employees and prides itself as the “World Leader in Metal Forming Technology.” In its 150-year history, its employees have produced over 800 patents.

National Machinery has become a bit of a paradox in Tiffin. Each day, hundreds of locals drive by the massive factory on Greenfield St. without fully recognizing what happens behind its brick walls. What happens is extraordinary. The National Machinery team creates products that are sold across the world. Those products not only meet needs in the manufacturing industry, but they also help keep businesses open. National Machinery’s ability to create machines, and to create or recreate parts for vintage and modern machines, helps businesses thrive.

It is the only company in North America or South America of its kind.

National Machinery’s long history gives it a solid foundation to help the machines of yesterday keep running and to equip businesses with the most modern manufacturing technology.

“Half of our business is building brand new machines for our customers, and half of our business is supporting machines, whether they are new or 50 years old,” said National Machinery Sales Manager, Jacob Lucius.

National Machinery’s impact extends across the world, but it also reaches down the street. Throughout its years of operation, the business has provided work for thousands of employees. Over 900 of them have reached the status of the Quarter Century Club for 25 or more years with the company.

“That’s a point of pride for us,” Lucius said. “Both of my grandfathers and my dad are on that list.”

Frankart was impressed with what he learned about the company during a tour.

“I was amazed with all the technology and different machines and parts that have been manufactured there for so many years,” Frankart said. “And I was impressed with the dedicated employees that enhance National Machinery’s success.”

Seneca County Commissioner Anthony Paradiso stopped by National Machinery on Friday to commend the management and employees on their long-term impact on the community and the manufacturing world.

“I want to congratulate National Machinery on its 150^th anniversary,” Paradiso said. “A lot of people made their living there. The business has done a lot for the community. It’s hard to imagine what Tiffin would be like without National Machinery.”

National Machinery invites the public to a community open house on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. National Machinery is located at 161 Greenfield St. in Tiffin. For more information on the business, visit www.nationalmachinery.com.