PRECISE
PRINTING
Ingersoll Machine Tools ’ CEO shares the company ’ s fascinating projects from around the globe
Originally established in 1862 , Ingersoll Machine Tools ( Ingersoll ) has successfully navigated myriad market changes , boasting an impressive , ever-expanding portfolio of products . With over a century of industry expertise , the company is well positioned to deliver first-of-itskind products and innovations across the globe , but particularly in Illinois , the state in which it is headquartered .
Although the company was initially based in Cleveland , Ohio , it moved to Rockford , Illinois , at the end of the 18th century and has remained there ever since . “ Illinois not only has a solid industrial base but is a wonderful transportation hub for our domestic and overseas customers ,” opens Dr . Jeffrey Ahrstrom , Ingersoll ’ s CEO .
“ We ’ ve remained in Illinois , but we ’ ve been an international company since the beginning . In fact , our first export machine went to a customer in Hamburg , Germany in 1892 . We then progressed through the 1900s , gradually expanding into composites , which then saw us develop head changing capabilities for some of our larger machines .”
Jeffrey continues : “ In terms of myself , I started out in the business in 1985 , shortly after I finished my enlistment in the US Marine Corps . It teaches you a lot of wonderful things , but I wasn ’ t sure to what industry my skill set would be best suited . That was until I had a great interview with a guy from a machine tool builder and joined as a trainee in field service .
“ I continued my education alongside my career , completing an applications engineering management program , and I went on to run various departments and progress into general management . I then relocated and worked for a different company in my first high level role as President .
“ However , I returned home a few years ago and had the incredible opportunity to work with international companies and be part of Ingersoll ’ s story as CEO ,” he recalls . “ I feel very
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