Gladwin Machinery and Supply Company

What Gladwin Machinery and Supply Company does

Gladwin Machinery and Supply Company (legal entity Gladwin Machinery Solutions Inc.) is a Minneapolis-based, privately held metal fabrication equipment distributor and solutions provider founded in 1973. The company sells new and used fabrication equipment (press brakes, lasers, plasma, waterjet, CNC routers, shears, saws, structural steel and welding machinery), HVAC/architectural equipment (rollformers, flangers, duct fabrication), and bundled CAD/CAM software (Radan, Autopol, Camtec) across more than 180 product lines and 25 welding product lines through four Midwest stocking locations (Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Kansas City) and offices in Iowa, Nebraska, and St. Louis.

The company operates two specialized divisions: the Gladwin Automation Division (GAD), an in-house team that designs, builds, and integrates custom robotic bending cells, robotic welding cells, and AMR solutions using a vendor-neutral approach across Kuka, Fanuc, Yaskawa, ABB, and OTC robotics; and the Gladwin Welding Division, which supplies welding power sources, positioners, seam welders, and consumables with application engineering support. Service is delivered by 30+ factory-trained specialists covering 17 states, including installation, emergency repair, planned maintenance, health checks, and machine relocation. A two-day Press Brake Forming Fundamentals training program monetizes workforce development.

The revenue model is a mix of one-time hardware sales (new and used equipment, quote-based pricing), professional services (automation integration, welding process optimization, machine service and maintenance), and training. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales with 20+ sales and applications experts, supplemented by dedicated government sales supported by SAMs, DIBBS, PIEE/WAWF, NIST SP 800-171, and DoDD 5230.25 certifications. Customer segments span contract manufacturing, construction, HVAC, automotive, agriculture, and aerospace/defense/government. Multi-generational family ownership (Thomas Gladwin and Todd King acquired the business in 1983 from founders Robert Gladwin, Richard King, and Roy Gastuch) with no disclosed outside capital.

Name

Gladwin Machinery and Supply Company

Legal name

Gladwin Machinery Solutions Inc.

Website

https://gladwinmachinery.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Gladwin Machinery is a privately held Minneapolis-based distributor of metal fabrication equipment, HVAC machinery, and robotic automation integration, serving contract manufacturers, construction, HVAC, and government customers across 17 Midwest states through four stocking locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. New Fabrication Equipment Sales: Sales of new metal fabrication equipment including press brakes, lasers, plasma cutters, waterjet, CNC routers, shears, saws, welding equipment, and HVAC machinery. The company represents over 180 product lines and 25 welding product lines.
2. Used Equipment Sales: Sales of used/pre-owned metal fabrication equipment. The company maintains an inventory of used equipment across all major categories.
3. Service and Maintenance: Service revenue from over 30 factory-trained specialists covering installation, emergency service, planned maintenance, health checks, and machine relocation. Parts sales for equipment maintenance and repair.
4. Automation Integration Services: Custom automation projects including robotic bending cells, robotic welding cells, area cells, and AMR solutions. The GAD team has completed nearly 100 successful projects.
5. Training Services: Press Brake Forming Fundamentals training courses. Two-day courses covering forming techniques, formulas, tooling options, with classroom and hands-on demonstrations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Gladwin Machinery and Supply Company distributes and integrates metal fabrication equipment, including press brakes, lasers, plasma cutters, waterjet systems, shears, saws, ironworkers, and welding machinery. The company sells both new and used equipment across more than 180 product lines, provides in-house robotic automation integration through its Gladwin Automation Division (GAD), and supports customers with welding application engineering, factory-trained service technicians across 17 states, and operator training programs.

Product overview

Gladwin Machinery and Supply Company is an industrial equipment distributor and solutions provider serving the metal fabrication industry. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio organized around four main divisions: New Fabrication Equipment (press brakes, lasers, plasma, waterjet, CNC routers, plate rolls, shears, saws, structural equipment, welding, ironworkers, and coil processing), Used Equipment (pre-owned versions of fabrication machinery), HVAC/Architectural Equipment (rollformers, flangers, duct fabrication, spiral machinery), and Gladwin Automation Division (GAD) for custom robotics and automation integration. The Gladwin Welding Division provides specialized welding solutions including power sources, robotic cells, positioners, and seam welders from manufacturers like OTC, NACHI, Productive Robots, Melton, and ABICOR BINZEL. The company also provides service/maintenance support through factory-trained technicians and operator training programs. Products span from single-function machines like press brakes and shears to complex integrated systems like robotic welding cells and automated duct fabrication lines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gladwin Automation Division (GAD): Custom automation and robotics solutions division offering robotic bending, robotic welding, and automated mobile robotic (AMR) integration services. The team handles project management, quoting, programming, device programming, safety planning, wiring, fabrication, installation and training entirely in-house.
• Gladwin Welding Division

Products and services

• New Fabrication Equipment Complete range of new metal fabrication machinery including press brakes, lasers, plasma cutters, waterjet, CNC routers, plate rolls, shears, saws, welding equipment, ironworkers, structural equipment, and coil processing lines. Distributed to industrial manufacturers across multiple industries.
• Used Fabrication Equipment Pre-owned metal fabrication equipment including press brakes, lasers, plasma, waterjet, shears, saws, and welding machinery available at reduced pricing with quote-based transactions.
• HVAC/Architectural Equipment Specialized equipment for HVAC and architectural metalworking including rollformers, flangers, duct fabrication machinery, spiral machinery, cleatbenders, cheekbenders, Pittsburgh and Snaplock rollformers, and corner insertion systems.
• Gladwin Automation Division (GAD) Integration Services Custom automation and robotics integration services including robotic bending cells, robotic welding cells, collaborative robot systems, AMR integration, and complete area cell integrations. Includes in-house project management, quoting, programming, safety planning, wiring, fabrication, installation, and training. Vendor-neutral approach integrating Kuka, Fanuc, Yaskawa, ABB, and OTC robotics.
• Gladwin Welding Division Solutions Specialized welding solutions including power sources, robotic welding cells, welding consumables, positioners, seam welders, and welding tractors from manufacturers like OTC DAIHEN, NACHI, Productive Robots, Melton, ABICOR BINZEL, MITUSA, and T.J. Snow. Includes dedicated welding application engineering and process optimization support.
• Equipment Service and Maintenance Factory-trained technician services including installation, emergency service, planned maintenance, equipment health checks, and machine relocation across 17 states. Over 30 factory-trained service specialists covering four Midwest locations.
• Press Brake Forming Fundamentals Training Two-day training course covering proper forming techniques, formulas, tooling options, and hands-on demonstrations for press brake operators. Designed for new operators, experienced operators, engineers, and owners. 2026 class schedules published.
• Fabrication Software Solutions CAD/CAM and fabrication automation software including Radan (sheet metal fabrication, nesting, programming), Autopol (sheet metal fabrication), and Camtec (fabrication automation).
• OTC Robotic Welding Cells (ECO-ARC Series) Pre-engineered robotic arc welding cells from OTC DAIHEN including ECO-ARC 290 (dual servo-controlled headstock positioners), ECO-ARC 200 (stationary table), ECO-ARC Mini (compact portable), and DT-ARC 500 (dual headstock/tailstock). Two-station configurations for production welding.
• Collaborative Robot Welding Systems Cobot welding systems including Productive Robots Blaze Mobile (7-axis positioning, zero programming interface), Blaze Duo (dual station), OTC FD-VC4 Collaborative Robot, and Melton Collaborative Robot Welding System compatible with Universal Robots.
• NACHI Industrial Robots Articulated industrial robots from NACHI Robotic Systems including NB04L (extended reach with through-arm coaxial power cable), NH5 (compact for harsh environments), and NV06/NV06L (welding robots for large weldments). Suitable for GMAW, GTAW, and PAC welding.
• Seam Welding Systems Precision seam welding systems including MITUSA ERG Seam Welders (linear rail technology with +/- 0.009 inch accuracy), MITUSA Longitudinal Seam Welders, MITUSA Plasma Seam Welders, and T.J. Snow Resistance Seam Welders (knurl, gear, or friction drive).
• Robotic Material Removal Systems Robotic polishing and deburring equipment from PushCorp featuring force compliance devices for material removal applications. Inventors of the force compliance device technology for compensating part variability.
• Dust and Fume Collection Systems Industrial air filtration systems including ULT Airtower (layer ventilation principle removing over 99.9% of welding particulates) plus products from ACT and Camfil.
• Weld Monitoring Cameras High dynamic range weld cameras from XIRIS including XVC-700, XVC-1000, and XVC-1100 models for monitoring welding automation processes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 100 successful automation projects completed
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• RadancoreTechnology or IntegrationSoftware partner providing CAD/CAM solutions for fabrication. Part of the company's software product offerings for metal fabrication.
• AutopolcoreTechnology or IntegrationSoftware partner for tube and pipe fabrication. Part of the software product offerings.
• CamteccoreTechnology or IntegrationSoftware partner for fabrication automation. Part of the software product offerings.
• EmmegicoreTechnology or IntegrationAluminum processing machinery manufacturer. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• AXYZcoreTechnology or IntegrationCNC router manufacturer for aluminum processing. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• ScotchmancoreTechnology or IntegrationIronworkers and aluminum processing machinery. Represents for both new and used equipment across fabrication and HVAC categories.
• PMIcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrecision machine manufacturer for aluminum processing. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• FlexCNCcoreTechnology or IntegrationCNC drilling/machining/tapping equipment. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• ElliscoreTechnology or IntegrationDrilling/machining equipment manufacturer. Represents for new equipment.
• ClausingcoreTechnology or IntegrationDrilling/machining equipment manufacturer. Represents for new equipment.
• TimesaverscoreTechnology or IntegrationWidebelt deburring equipment manufacturer. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• ULTcoreTechnology or IntegrationDust/fume collection equipment. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• ACTcoreTechnology or IntegrationDust/fume collection equipment. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• CamfilcoreTechnology or IntegrationDust/fume collection equipment. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• GreenardcoreTechnology or IntegrationStamping equipment manufacturer. Represents for new equipment.
• MagnumcoreTechnology or IntegrationStamping equipment manufacturer. Represents for new equipment.
• SutherlandcoreTechnology or IntegrationStamping equipment manufacturer. Represents for new equipment.
• MarvelcoreTechnology or IntegrationIronworkers manufacturer. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• GekacoreTechnology or IntegrationIronworkers manufacturer. Represents for both new and used equipment.
• OTC DAIHENcoreTechnology or IntegrationWorld's No. 1 manufacturer of arc welding robots. Provides ECO-ARC robotic welding cells, collaborative robots, and power sources. Key partner for welding automation.
• NACHI Robotic SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationRobotic systems partner providing articulated robots for automation. NB04L, NH5, NV06, NV06L models represented.
• Productive RobotscoreTechnology or IntegrationAmerican collaborative robot manufacturer. Zero programming, teach-by-touch technology. Blaze Mobile and Blaze Duo cobot welding systems.
• Melton Machine & Control CompanycoreTechnology or IntegrationAutomated arc welding machines and collaborative robot welding systems. 50+ years experience in factory automation.
• ABICOR BINZELcoreTechnology or IntegrationWelding consumables and torches. Water-cooled and air-cooled MIG guns, orbital welding systems (ABIBUG 300), welding tractors (ABICAR).
• Key PlantcoreTechnology or IntegrationWelding automation products. Adjustable height welding positioners and engineering solutions.
• MITUSAcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrecision fixed welding automation systems. ERGO seam welders, longitudinal seam welders, plasma seam welders. American manufacturer.
• T.J. SnowcoreTechnology or IntegrationResistance seam welding machinery. Standard and custom machines for metalworking industry.
• XIRIScoreTechnology or IntegrationWeld cameras providing HDR imaging for welding automation monitoring. XVC-1000, XVC-1100, XVC-700 models.
• PushCorpcoreTechnology or IntegrationRobotic tooling manufacturer specializing in material-removal equipment. Inventors of force compliance device. Polishing and deburring applications.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Mac-Tech: Midwest-based metal fabrication equipment distributor and automation integrator offering press brakes, lasers, tube fabrication, and robotic welding systems — directly comparable in product mix, customer profile, and integrated distribution-plus-automation model to Gladwin.
• Methods Machine Tools: US distributor of CNC machine tools, fabrication equipment, and automation solutions with regional sales/service coverage — overlapping with Gladwin on fabrication equipment distribution, applications engineering, and field-service support.
• Genesis Systems Group (IPG Photonics): Specialized robotic welding and metal fabrication automation integrator serving discrete manufacturers — direct overlap with Gladwin Automation Division's robotic welding cell, robotic bending, and AMR integration offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Amada: Global press brake, laser, and sheet metal fabrication equipment OEM with broad direct sales and service across the US — overlapping with Gladwin's product portfolio at the OEM level and competing for the same end customers.
• Bystronic: Global press brake and laser cutting OEM with a strong US direct-sales and service footprint — competes with Gladwin on the equipment side for the same Midwest fabrication customers.
• Lincoln Electric: World's largest arc welding products and robotic welding automation OEM, including the Genesis Systems integrator franchise — competes with Gladwin Welding Division across power sources, weld cells, and integrated welding automation.
• TRUMPF: Global laser, punching, and bending machine OEM with direct US sales, financing, and service — competes with Gladwin for laser/plasma/press brake equipment sales in the Midwest.
• Salvagnini: Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and panel bending OEM with US direct sales — overlaps with Gladwin on press brake/bending cells and integrated automation for fabricators.
• Mazak: Major multi-axis CNC machine tool and automation OEM with strong US Midwest sales/service presence — broader than Gladwin in machine tools, but adjacent in metalworking equipment distribution and automation.

Others

• Yaskawa America (Motoman Robotics): Industrial robot OEM whose welding/material-handling robots are integrated by Gladwin (alongside Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, OTC) — adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a competitor, relevant for understanding Gladwin's vendor-neutral automation positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GladwinMachines

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries2 records

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 Gladwin Machinery and Supply Company