Bridgeport Machines, a renowned player in the machine tool industry, has a rich history that reflects its resilience, adaptability, and commitment to innovation. Its journey began in 1968 with the acquisition by Textron, Inc., leading to a period of strategic expansion and product enhancement. The introduction of various grinding machines and the Series II milling machine, along with the development of the NC Series I milling machine, established Bridgeport’s reputation for manufacturing high-quality and reliable machines.

The 1970s brought substantial growth opportunities for Bridgeport, driven by the soaring demand in the commercial aerospace and defense sectors. The company responded to this surge by increasing its production capacity and diversifying its product lines. Despite the economic downturn in the early 1980s, Bridgeport persevered by initiating collaborations with global partners, introducing new product offerings, and safeguarding its intellectual property rights through legal measures.

Furthermore, Bridgeport’s strategic emphasis on international expansion in markets like Indonesia, China, and Malaysia solidified its position as a key global player in the machine tool industry. The company’s continuous pursuit of new opportunities and its commitment to excellence enabled it to weather challenging times and maintain a robust market presence.

Following the acquisition by Hardinge, Bridgeport Machines underwent a transformative phase, streamlining its production processes through the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles. This strategic move enhanced production efficiency and reinforced Bridgeport’s competitive edge, demonstrating the capability of American manufacturing to thrive in a fiercely competitive global landscape.

With a renewed focus on innovation and operational excellence, Bridgeport Machines continued to flourish under Hardinge’s ownership, upholding its legacy as a prominent manufacturer of cutting-edge machine tools. Its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and technological advancements reinforced its stature as a pioneer in the industry, solidifying its enduring legacy and contribution to the evolution of the machine tool sector.

The Bridgeport name is now owned and operated by Hardinge Machine Tools, visit their website at hardinge.com

Hardinge Machine Tools in the UK is operated by Machine Tool Technologies