A long-time contract supplier of fabricated and machined components to a wide range of companies, Dowding Industries is making the leap to large-part production and the transition to the alternative energy economy. It announced today at the International Manufacturing Technology Show the purchase of two massive machining systems from MAG Industrial Automation Systems for production of wind turbine components and large, critical parts for other big-machine makers. A MAG Cincinnati U5-1500 five-axis profiler and a MAG Giddings & Lewis PT 1800 horizontal boring mill are the centerpieces of a new state-of-the-art 35,000 sq. ft. machining facility in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. It is operated by a subsidiary, Dowding Machining. Both machines were delivered earlier this summer and are finishing installation and prove-out.
A family-owned company, Dowding in 2006 began looking for opportunities to grow while avoiding the region's industrial downturn. It was particularly attracted to the potential for wind turbines and alternative energy, according to Jeff Metts, Dowding Machining President. "We saw an opportunity to be part of the 'new energy' solution."
MAG did extensive application and time studies based on wind generator part prints provided by Dowding, according to Jim Foust, sales engineer for VMC Technologies, MAG's channel partner in Michigan. "The detail and thoroughness of the reports were overwhelming," he said. "The studies included machine recommendations, fixturing, set-ups, tooling, cycle times and earnings per hour. MAG addressed the risks and unknowns, giving Dowding the comfort level, as newcomers to large part machining, to make such a major commitment," he stressed.
"All our MAG machines - Fadal, Cincinnati and G&L - are built here in the U.S.," said Metts. "That is another important factor for us. We looked at many different machine tool companies to 'hook our wagon to' so to speak. We were convinced our success was right here in the U.S.A."
While Dowding targeted the wind turbine market, it has already picked up orders from leading construction equipment and mining machinery manufacturers. "This is a case of 'build it and they will come'," said Foust. "If you can machine big parts, there are a number of industries ready to do business with you." In fact, MAG itself will be using Dowding to produce components for large machine tools.
With the new large-part machining facility, Dowding is leading Michigan industries in the transition to alternative energy and the new economy. The new facility will create more than 350 new jobs in Michigan. Assistance was offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the city of Eaton Rapids is considering a 12-year abatement to support the program. During a visit to the new facility, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm said, "This new manufacturing facility will create good jobs for Michigan workers and anchor Dowding's presence in Eaton Rapids for years to come."
About MAG Industrial Automation Systems
MAG Industrial Automation Systems is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable-goods industry, worldwide, with a large portfolio of highly-recognized and well-respected brands. With manufacturing operations on five continents, MAG ranks as a leader in the global metalworking capital equipment market.
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