What WARDJet does

WARDJet is a Tallmadge, Ohio-based manufacturer of CNC waterjet cutting machines, founded in 1995 and operating as a subsidiary of AAG Tailored Cutting Solutions alongside sister brands AXYZ (CNC routers) and CNCShop (parts e-commerce). The company builds both water-abrasive systems (A-Series, X-Series, M-Series) for metals, composites, plastics, stone, and glass, and water-only systems (H-Series, J-Series, L-Series including L-3018 and L-3025 sub-models) for foam, rubber, and gasket production. Its portfolio also includes custom engineered-to-spec systems, a 5-axis cutting accessory family (APEX-60, APEX-90 with full 90-degree motion and taper compensation), pumps, SmartRemove automated part removal, retrofit upgrade kits, and a proprietary software stack of WARDCAM CAM, IKHULU control, MOVE CNC, and WARDJet Analytics, with optional IGEMS CAM integration.

WARDJet sells modular, configured-to-order systems through an enterprise field-sales motion staffed by product specialists across North America (Tallmadge, OH; Waterdown, ON demo room), the UK (Telford), and Poland (Katowice). Pricing is quote-based; no public list prices are disclosed. Revenue is generated through machine sales, accessories and components (pumps, 5-axis heads, grates, retrofits, replacement parts sold via CNCShop.com), software licenses, service plans, and training (Waterjet University, IGEMS Training Center). Customer segments span aerospace and defense, automotive, foam and rubber converting, metals and alloys, packaging (one publicly cited customer is SmartShield Packaging), composites and plastics, gasket fabrication, research and prototyping, and stone and glass. The firm markets itself with a Made-in-USA positioning, multilingual digital presence (English, French, Spanish, Polish), trade-show participation (FABTECH, Foam Expo, FESPA, Interplas), and recurring webinars, while benefiting from the AAG group's shared distribution, technical support, and parts infrastructure.

Operationally, WARDJet emphasizes modularity and interchangeability: it advertises over 100 million configuration combinations, 40+ accessory SKUs, and "thousands of waterjet machines built and installed" globally. Customer proof points include SmartShield Packaging's deployment of the X-Series for multi-layer foam fabrication in aerospace, medical device, robotics, and defense packaging. Partnerships include Northrop Grumman, SKF, thyssenkrupp, Fischer Panda, Hermeus, and Brock University as logo relationships, with FANUC featured as a robotics integration partner. WARDJet holds no disclosed patents, no regulatory actions, no public funding rounds, and operates with a 51-100 employee headcount under its corporate parent.

Name

WARDJet

Legal name

WARDJet Inc.

Website

https://wardjet.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

WARDJet is a US-based manufacturer of modular CNC waterjet cutting machines (water-abrasive and water-only systems) serving aerospace, automotive, foam/rubber, metals, packaging, composites, gaskets, R&D, and stone/glass manufacturers in North America, the UK, and Poland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial CNC Waterjet Cutting Machines

NAICS

Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517), Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515)

SIC

Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541), Sheet Metal Work (3444)

akta.pro primary industry

Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching) (IMAHADAD)

Keywords

• CNC waterjet cutting
• Waterjet cutting machines
• Abrasive waterjet systems
• Industrial cutting equipment
• Modular CNC machinery

Headquarters

HQ city

Tallmadge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Waterjet Machine Sales: Sale of CNC waterjet cutting machines across six product series (A-Series, X-Series, M-Series, H-Series, J-Series, L-Series) and custom waterjet configurations for specialized applications
2. Accessories and Components: Sale of waterjet accessories including pumps, controllers, waterjet grates, 5-axis cutting heads, SmartRemove, retrofits, and replacement parts
3. Service and Support: Remote support, service plans, training programs, and support videos for machine operators and maintenance personnel
4. Software Licenses: Sale of proprietary software including WARDCAM, IGEMS CAM software, MOVE CNC, IKHULU, and WARDJet Analytics
5. Training and Education: Waterjet University, IGEMS Training Center, online training programs, and webinars for operator certification and skill development

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

WARDJet manufactures modular CNC waterjet cutting machines for industrial material fabrication, offering both water-abrasive and water-only cutting systems across six product series (A-Series, X-Series, M-Series, H-Series, J-Series, L-Series) plus custom-engineered configurations. The company supplies accessories (pumps, 5-axis cutting heads including APEX-90 and APEX-60, SmartRemove part-removal systems, grates, retrofits), proprietary software (WARDCAM, IKHULU, MOVE CNC, WARDJet Analytics), and third-party CAM software (IGEMS) to manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, foam, rubber, metals, packaging, composites, gaskets, stone, glass, and prototyping.

Product overview

WARDJet is a manufacturer of tailored CNC waterjet cutting systems, offering both water-abrasive and water-only cutting machines across six product series. The product portfolio is organized as: Abrasive Systems (A-Series, X-Series, M-Series) for multi-material cutting including metals and composites; Water-Only Systems (H-Series, J-Series, L-Series including L-3018 and L-3025 sub-models) optimized for foam, rubber, and gasket production at high speeds; and Custom Waterjets for application-specific engineering. The company also provides a broad range of accessories (5-axis cutting heads including APEX-90 and APEX-60, pumps, SmartRemove, grates, retrofits, controllers) and proprietary software (IKHULU, WARDCAM, WARDJet Analytics, MOVE CNC) alongside third-party IGEMS CAM software. The portfolio is characterized by a modular, interchangeable-component design philosophy, allowing customers to configure and expand their systems over time.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• A-Series Waterjet Compact, easy-to-use, fully enclosed water-abrasive jet cutting system with a standard 60k pump, industrial-grade rack and pinion drive, and cutting enclosure for reduced splash and noise. Targeted at manufacturers entering waterjet cutting or smaller production environments.
• X-Series Waterjet Modular, precise, and versatile water-abrasive jet cutting system with a premium ball screw drive system and water-level control to minimize noise and spray. Targeted at manufacturers requiring precision cutting across diverse materials.
• M-Series Waterjet Large-format, swift, and modular water-abrasive jet cutting system that supports water-only cutting for foam and rubber and can be configured with multiple cutting heads. Targeted at high-volume industrial manufacturers.
• H-Series Waterjet Modular, precise, water-only cutting system designed for high-production water-only environments, featuring an industry-exclusive sloped-tank design and washdown system for continuous operation. Targeted at foam and rubber converters.
• J-Series Waterjet Swift, automated, purpose-built water-only cutting system designed for high-speed foam, rubber, and gasket production with automated material handling. Targeted at high-volume gasket and foam manufacturers.
• L-Series Waterjet (including L-3018 and L-3025) Ultra-fast water-only cutting series with linear drive system reaching speeds up to 7,000 ipm, designed for 24/7 continuous production with stainless steel sloped-bottom tank and chain-feed system. Supports up to 16 cutting head configurations. Targeted at high-volume production foam and rubber manufacturers.
• Custom Waterjets Engineered-to-specification waterjet systems built for unique applications, including custom machine sizes, Z-travel, fixture integrations, and material handling capabilities. Targeted at manufacturers with specialized cutting requirements not met by standard product lines.
• APEX-90 Waterjet Cutting Head Advanced 5-axis cutting head enabling multi-angle cutting for complex geometries, with full 90° motion and taper compensation. Sold as an accessory to be added to WARDJet waterjet systems.
• APEX 60 Waterjet Cutting Head 5-axis waterjet cutting head accessory designed to bring bevel cutting and 5-axis capability within reach for existing WARDJet system owners.
• Waterjet Pumps Waterjet pump systems offered as accessories, including 60k pumps available as standard on the A-Series. Targeted at WARDJet machine owners needing pump replacements or upgrades.
• SmartRemove Automated part removal accessory for waterjet cutting tables that enhances automation and reduces manual labor in production workflows.
• Retrofits Upgrade kits and retrofits that allow existing waterjet systems (including non-WARDJet machines) to be modernized with the latest WARDJet technologies and components.
• WARDCAM Software WARDJet's proprietary CAM software for programming and controlling WARDJet waterjet systems, supporting multi-head spacing programming, tool selection, cut sequencing, and integration with IGEMS for advanced nesting. Sold as a software license.
• IKHULU Software Proprietary waterjet control and monitoring software platform for WARDJet systems, supporting machine-specific user outputs, performance monitoring, multi-head nesting, common line cutting, roll material indexing, and zone detection.
• WARDJet Analytics Analytics and monitoring software for WARDJet machines providing machine-specific performance data and outputs.
• MOVE CNC Software CNC control software platform offered as a software accessory for WARDJet machines.
• IGEMS CAM Software Third-party CAM software offered as an option for WARDJet waterjet systems, enabling multi-head nesting, common line cutting, roll material indexing, and zone detection.

Quantifiable outcome

• Increased production capacity for SmartShield Packaging through multi-layer simultaneous cutting capability
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered unclear and core.

• Northrop GrummanunclearStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership logo displayed on WARDJet/AAG website indicating some level of collaboration or preferred customer/supplier relationship in the aerospace and defense sector.
• SKFunclearStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership logo displayed indicating collaboration relationship, likely in bearing or precision motion control components for waterjet systems.
• thyssenkruppunclearStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership logo displayed indicating business relationship in materials or industrial solutions for manufacturing applications.
• Brock UniversityunclearStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership indicated through logo display, likely involving research collaboration or workforce development programs.
• Fischer PandaunclearStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership logo displayed indicating relationship, potentially related to power systems or marine applications.
• HermeusunclearStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership logo displayed indicating aerospace-related collaboration, possibly in high-speed aircraft manufacturing requiring precision cutting.
• FANUCunclearTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration featured in blog content regarding robotics integration with waterjet systems for automated manufacturing workflows.
• AAG Tailored Cutting SolutionscoreOthersWARDJet is part of AAG Tailored Cutting Solutions, a global leader in modular CNC technology with sister companies AXYZ (CNC routers) and CNCShop (e-commerce parts). The parent company provides shared technical support network, manufacturing capabilities, and go-to-market infrastructure.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Jet Edge Inc. Jet Edge manufactures precision waterjet cutting systems for industrial applications in the US. It directly competes with WARDJet's A/X/M-Series abrasive systems and serves comparable metal, composite, and aerospace cutting customers.
• Flow International (Shape Technologies): Flow International pioneered industrial waterjet cutting and is now part of Shape Technologies, producing waterjet cutting systems for similar industries including aerospace, automotive, and metals fabrication. It is a direct head-to-head competitor across most of WARDJet's served markets.
• KMT Waterjet: KMT Waterjet produces high-pressure pumps and components that are integral to all abrasive waterjet cutting systems, including those manufactured by WARDJet. It is both a potential supplier of components and a direct competitor in complete waterjet system offerings.
• Resato International: Resato is a Dutch manufacturer of high-pressure waterjet cutting systems and intensifier pumps. It competes with WARDJet in the European industrial cutting market and overlaps significantly in automotive, aerospace, and stone/glass applications.
• Waterjet Corporation: Waterjet Corporation manufactures precision abrasive waterjet cutting systems for industrial applications, with comparable product positioning to WARDJet in metal and stone cutting. It is a smaller but directly comparable peer.
• OMAX Corporation: OMAX is one of the world's leading manufacturers of abrasive waterjet cutting machines, offering both standalone and integrated systems. It is the most direct competitor to WARDJet, serving overlapping aerospace, automotive, and industrial cutting customers with similar water-abrasive CNC technology.

Broad incumbents

• ESAB Corporation: ESAB is a broad incumbent in welding and cutting equipment, including mechanical cutting technologies. It competes for industrial cutting capex and serves similar metals and heavy-industry customers through a global distribution network comparable to AAG/WARDJet's European footprint.
• Bystronic: Bystronic is a Swiss-based broad incumbent in sheet metal processing, offering laser cutting, bending, and automation solutions. While primarily laser-focused, it competes for the same industrial cutting capex budget and serves similar metals and aerospace customers as WARDJet.
• Hypertherm: Hypertherm acquired OMAX and now offers both plasma/waterjet cutting and advanced cutting software (ProNest/DesignEntry). It is a broad incumbent in industrial cutting with overlapping product lines, software ecosystems, and customer targets as WARDJet.
• TRUMPF: TRUMPF is a global leader in machine tools, laser cutting, and bending machinery. While primarily known for laser technology, it is a broad incumbent in industrial cutting and increasingly competes with WARDJet's abrasive systems, particularly as laser-waterjet hybrids emerge.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wardjet

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WARDJet