Nidec Minster history

In 1901 The Minster Machine Company was officially incorporated.

Many of the shallow oil wells that were being drilled in the area suffered from failed clutches, and as they were brought to Minster Machine for repair, Anton Herkenhoff studied the faults and invented an improved friction clutch, which was patented in 1905.

By 1912, Minster was manufacturing both the Herken and Herken Junior clutch and pulley systems.

In 1916, Minster introduced their "Hi Duty Drill Press" line.

In the 1920's Minster sold its drill press line and entered the sheet metal industry with the production of a press brake.

The first Minster mechanical press was manufactured in 1926.

In 1927 The Minster Machine Company built its first straight side press.

In 1928 Minster expanded its capabilities and product offering by accepting an order for a 50-8-60 300-ton double crank straight side press.

First use of straight side single crank press design, patented in 1934.

In 1937 Minster engineer Reuben Wissman perfected the AFC Clutch, a combination air-operated friction clutch and brake unit that revolutionized the press industry.

The AFC Clutch was patented in 1939, and became a standard for Minster's industry-leading automatic production presses.

Minster introduced its "P Series" or "Piece-Maker" presses in 1948.

Large additions in 1955 completed a growth spurt that saw the company double its footprint in less than a decade.

Nidec Minster shipped its first E2 "HeviStamper" press in December of 1959.

In 1964, Minster launched a major campaign touting the P2 as the fastest, most accurate lamination press available.

Minster also introduced its ultra high speed Pulsar press line in 1980, with speeds of up to 2,000 strokes per minute.

In April 2012, The Minster Machine Company was purchased by the Nidec-Shimpo Corporation, which is part of the global network of the Nidec Corporation, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.

In 2015 Nidec Minster Corporation acquired the press company Arisa S.A. of Logrono, Spain.