Company Profile | November 29, 2000

MURATA WIEDEMANN - Murata Wiedemann, Inc.

Source: Murata Wiedemann, Inc.
View Turning Center product line
View Turning Center distributors
View Punch Press product line
View Punch Press distributors

History
Wiedemann's roots extend back to The Wiedemann Machine Company, which was formed in 1916 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first turret punch press was developed by Wiedemann in 1934. This manually-operated machine was the basis for many successful developments. By 1948, Wiedemann had developed a method of "templamation" -- a turret punch press with reusable tools combined with a pantograph table to accurately position under the press. New technology allowed the introduction of the world's first numerically controlled punch press in 1948. Later, in the 1960s, computer technology added speed and positioning accuracy.

The Warner & Swasey Company of Cleveland, Ohio acquired Wiedemann in 1964, which gave Wiedemann the financial strength, and the marketing and engineering expertise needed to succeed through the 1970s. In 1971, Warner & Swasey formed a joint venture with Murata Machinery, Ltd. and transferred the machine tool technology to begin addressing the world markets. Wiedemann also purchased right-angle shear technology. Using the strength of the Warner & Swasey Company, Wiedemann continued to add to product offerings during the 1970s and 1980s. Wiedemann has also become a leader in flexible fabricating systems by integrating its stand-alone machine capability with computer technology and material handling systems, primarily from its joint venture partner, Murata Machinery.

Murata Wiedemann, Inc. (Murata Wiedemann) was established on September 26, 1989 by Murata Machinery Ltd. (Japan). On October 10, 1989, Murata Wiedemann acquired the assets of Wiedemann Division of Warner & Swasey Company from Cross & Trecker. Wiedemann, at that time, was based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

Metal Forming
Today, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Murata Wiedemann manufactures and distributes a full product line of CNC punch presses, lasers, right-angle shears, and factory automation systems (FMS) used in metal fabrication. The primary product continues to be the CNC turret punch press with tonnage ranging from 10 tons to 50 tons. Given Murata Wiedemann's large installed base of punch presses, it has a significant parts and service business.

Metal Cutting
Murata Wiedemann automated turning machines are sold worldwide to a broad range of industries, primarily through manufacturers representatives and distributors in North, Central, and South America. Served industries include major OEMs and sub-suppliers in the automotive, bearing, hydraulic and pneumatic parts manufacturing, and many other industries with mid to high level production requirements.

Murata Wiedemann products are also distributed by Murata Wiedemann, Ltd. in Europe, and by Murata Machinery, Ltd. (Kyoto, Japan) in the Far East and Australia.