Our History
Adams Engineering, a tool and die shop, in South Bend, Indiana, was founded in May 1926 by Conrad Adams. Adams Engineering grew in scope and service to become Manufacturing Technology, Inc., a world leader in solid-state joining and welding solutions, equipment and services.
From day one, MTI was a company whose success was built on the seamless integration of equipment, technology and the people who use it.
Adams Engineering established the foundation of quality that endures to this day. The company provided engineering and special tooling for automotive, farm implement, aircraft engine and appliance manufacturers. Part by part, the company built its reputation engineering solutions.
In the 1940s, Robert Adams succeeded his father's leadership. The division, now called Adams Engineering, Inc. was established. The company continued its growth, and under Robert Adams it arose to national prominence through work for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines.
Expansion continued in the 1960s. The company created partnerships - professional supply and support relationships based on integral knowledge of a customer's needs - with national clients such as Reynolds Metal Company. Conrad Adams II, grandson of the founder, joined the company at this time. Adams Engineering also became a supplier to the Inertia Welding Department of Caterpillar Tractor, an affiliation that would change the course of the firm.
In 1976, fifty years to the day after Conrad Adams founded the company, Adams Engineering, Inc. purchased the inertia welding process and 250 related patents from Caterpillar.
A new company was formed - Manufacturing Technology, Inc. Conrad Adams II and the MTI staff envisioned a new horizon and a world leader was in the making.
Under the direction of General Manager Dietmar Spindler, MTI enjoyed steady growth and profitability. In 1991, the tool and die operations of Adams Engineering were sold, and the companies merged under the MTI name. By 1993, MTI surpassed $100 million in sales.
MTI assembled a world-class custom-design team. This team proved its mettle by engineering and manufacturing the world's largest inertia welder. A team at work across the globe erasing barriers to manufacturing success with engineering and technology, and with understanding of the universal needs of industry. A team with expertise to solve the most complex problems, whether the solution was to design a single part, integrate solid-state welding into a process, or engineer complete production lines.
Under fourth generation leadership, MTI acquired three additional technologies that brought all major friction welding capabilities under the MTI banner - inertia, direct drive, radial, stir, and linear as well as specialized resistance welding. The acquisitions opened the doors to a world of opportunities. With the legacy of previous generations as a guide, MTI recognized that it wasn't just the equipment, but also the expertise of the engineers and the partnerships with clients, that would maximize the potential of the leading-edge technology.
Throughout MTI's history, clients were also given the option of utilizing MTI's in-house contract welding and assembly services. MTI's partnerships have been long-term, maintained and strengthened with after-sales support - from maintenance and repair to training and education.
MTI continues to expand its global reach, establishing a facility in Kingswinford, England, and a third plant in Nasik, India. MTI solutions are now benefiting the bottom line of international companies around the world.
Generations of experience, commitment to the customer and a tradition of innovation have made the name of Manufacturing Technology, Inc. recognized and respected throughout the highest levels of industry. MTI's pursuit of state-of-the-art excellence continues into the new millennium, adding complementary technologies, increasing its wealth of knowledge through research and development, and real-world applications.
