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Where We Are Located
About Us
WHAT WE DO
Since 1948, our company has been designing, and building custom web converting machinery for a variety of industries. Our experienced engineers provide converting solutions for paper, film, and foil. In our lab, we can define the proper machine processes you need or create samples of your new product ideas.
What sets us apart is our experience, flexibility, innovation, and personal service. This means you get a web converting machine with the state-of-the-art design and precision needed to reliably produce your product.
OUR FACILITY
Our present production facility in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, was built in 1989. It is specifically designed for machine building. We are located close to rail, air, and other forms of transportation so we can easily serve an international market.
WHO WE ARE
We are a multi-generational, family-owned company building machines since 1948. Our high employee retention provides for consistent and experienced service to our clients.
OUR PROCESS
We take your ideas or specifications and suggest a solution. We work with you to refine the proposed machinery to your needs. Our experienced designers will pull designs from our deep inventory and assemble your machine in high-detail 3D. You are involved in the whole process through meetings (online and in-person) and frequent communication. All our machines are assembled and fully tested in our facility prior to shipment. At your facility, we coordinate with your staff for installation, machine power-up, and runoff.
HOW WE GOT STARTED
A Rich History of Innovation Since 1948
1948
1960
1964
Company formed as "Precise Engineering Company."
Don Nielsen joins the team at "Precise Engineering Company."
Company became a division of Beloit Corporation.
1971
Moved under a German company named “Passavant Corporation”
1986
Don Nielsen purchases company and renames it, "IMD."
1988
New Facility Purchased
in the Heart of Birmingham, AL.
1998
Next generation took over and changed the name to “Innovative Machine Corporation”
PRESENT DAY
Innovative Machine Corporation is a thriving, world-class leader in the web-converting machine industry.
THE FUTURE
We are ready to innovate into the future with you!
Read our full history below
Since its founding in 1948 in Chicago as Precise Engineering, Innovative Machine has changed ownership several times. Initially focused on designing and constructing various machinery for the printing and coating sectors, including Multi-Station Gravure presses, Jogger-Stackers, Laminators, Calenders, Coating machinery, and Slitting Machinery. During WWII, magnetic tape emerged as a groundbreaking technology with wide-ranging implications for entertainment, computing, and industrial applications. German scientists pivotal in its development congregated in Opelika, Alabama, transforming the town into a hub for advancing this revolutionary technology. Ampex, renowned in the industry, dominated much of this era, with its special tape used extensively in music recording during the late 1950s. Ampex sought partnerships, and Precise Engineering, among a select few, possessed the expertise necessary for manufacturing magnetic film production equipment. This marked the beginning of an innovative cycle, introducing new coating methods, calender designs, slitting machinery, and advancements in precise web handling of plastic film. Following significant success, Precise attracted the attention of Beloit Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of paper production machinery, based in Beloit, Wisconsin. In 1965, Beloit acquired Precise, integrating it into its operations. Don Nielsen assumed leadership of the newly formed IMD (Industrial Machinery Division), a profitable subsidiary within Beloit. In 1971, Beloit formed a partnership focused on wastewater treatment, leading to IMD's relocation from Wisconsin to Birmingham, Alabama. IMD thrived under Beloit's stewardship until 1986, when long-serving employees Don Nielsen and Ulrich Passavant purchased the division. By 1986, the magnetic tape market was waning, prompting Innovative Machine to explore new opportunities emerging in the advanced battery sector during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This shift positioned the company at the forefront of developing specialized machinery, notably collaborating with Moli Energy in Canada on pioneering Battery Electrode Calenders, distinct from those used in magnetic tape production. Subsequently, Innovative Machine embarked on numerous projects to meet the evolving demands of the Battery Electrode industry. In 1998, Don Nielsen passed the leadership reins to his sons Daniel Nielsen and James Nielsen, though he remained active in sales until his passing in 2021.