Nordson MEDICAL history

In 1978, the company began manufacturing industrial robots.

In 1982, James E. Taylor advanced to the presidency and chief executive office, while Eric Nord retired from day-to-day operations, retaining his seat at the head of the board of directors.

By 1984, the company had over $30 million in cash and had reportedly been plied with several takeover and/or merger proposals.

In 1987, the company introduced a new adhesive process that impregnated a standard adhesive with an inert gas to make a sealant that foamed as it was applied.

Nordson's 1993 decision to obtain ISO 9000 certification from the International Organization of Standardization in Switzerland promised increased global competitiveness as well.

In 1997, Bill Madar retired as CEO and became Chairman, with Edward P. Campbell becoming CEO, and Eric Nord remaining on the Board of Directors.

In 1998, the firm purchased competitor J&M Laboratories Inc., a manufacturer of melt-blowing systems used to produce synthetic nonwoven fabrics.

In September 2001, the company announced it would cut its workforce by 10 percent as part of its cost cutting effort.

The acquisition in 2004 of W. Puffe Technologies, a manufacturer of hot melt adhesive dispensing systems, expanded Nordson’s existing technology base in adhesive systems, while also providing increased access to European markets.