In the world of sheet metal fabrication, precision and innovation have always driven progress. This year, as Murata Machinery USA (Muratec) celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on one of the pivotal moments in our history: the acquisition of Wiedemann, the renowned pioneer of punch press technology, 35 years ago.

This 6BN Wiedemann punch press in the lobby of Muratec USA’s North American headquarters in Charlotte, NC, is a reminder of both a celebrated past and decades of innovation and automation since 1938 when this model was produced.

The Birth of Punch Press Innovation
Wiedemann’s legacy began in 1916 in Philadelphia with the establishment of the Wiedemann Machine Company. Against the backdrop of World War I, the industrial world was shifting toward automation, and Wiedemann was at the forefront of this transformation. In 1934, the company introduced the first turret punch press without a center post, the R2.

Over the decades, Wiedemann continued to push technological boundaries. In 1955, the company introduced the world’s first NC controlled punch press.
In 1964, the Warner & Swasey Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, acquired Wiedemann and exhibited the first NC turret punch press, the Wiedematic-S2550, at IMTS in Chicago. In 1970, Murata Machinery Ltd. became an official partner of the Wiedemann division of the Warner & Swasey Company, forming the Murata Warner Swasey Co. and strengthening its position in the industry.

This partnership deepened in 1989 when Murata acquired the Wiedemann brand, merging their expertise to create Murata Wiedemann.

Muratec & Wiedemann: 35 Years of Innovation
In 1989, Murata Machinery, Ltd., already a leader in manufacturing automation solutions, saw an opportunity to acquire Wiedemann’s punch press expertise and brought the Wiedemann division into its fold.

The venture was a perfect match, combining Wiedemann’s rich history of mechanical innovation with Muratec’s forward-thinking approach to automation and robotics. This combination marked the start of a new era for punch press technology—one that fused cutting-edge digital controls with the proven mechanics of Wiedemann’s machines.

Under the Muratec brand, Wiedemann’s legacy lived on. The introduction of automation, CNC controls, and fiber laser technology transformed the capabilities of turret punch presses, allowing customers to achieve greater throughput, precision, and flexibility in their fabrication processes.

Celebrating 50 Years of Automation
As Muratec marks its 50th year, the company remains committed to the spirit of innovation that drove both Wiedemann and Muratec to success. From the humble beginnings of Wiedemann’s first punch press in 1934 to the sophisticated automation solutions Muratec offers today, the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in manufacturing.

Machine tools podcaster Tony Gunn and Muratec USA’s Stephen Goldboss talk shop in front of the MF3051 turret punch press/fiber laser combination machine at FABTECH Expo in Orlando Oct. 15-17, 2024.

Muratec will continue to build on this legacy for the future, developing new technologies to further enhance customers’ productivity and efficiency. Reflecting on the past 50 years, including 35 years with Wiedemann’s engineering expertise as part of its DNA, Muratec is proud to stand at the forefront of fabrication technology.

The Muratec-Wiedemann Timeline
1989: Muratec expands its portfolio by acquiring the Wiedemann division of Warner & Swasey Co., a pioneer in punch press technology, adding its long-standing expertise in turret punch presses to Muratec’s automation capabilities. The acquisition finalized a long-standing relationship between Murata Machinery and Wiedemann, bringing together Wiedemann’s mechanical precision and Muratec’s growing reputation in automation solutions.

1994: Muratec introduces the world’s first electric servo motor turret punch press, the Motorum 2000. This revolutionary new punch press was electric rather than hydraulic, which eliminated the need for oil maintenance, waste oil disposal, and oil replacements,, reducing overall power consumption by 70%.

2012: The fiber laser cutting machine, the LS3015FC, is launched. This new machine was Muratec’s entry into the standalone fiber laser machine market. The technology emphasis with this machine centered around high speed and precision with the utilization of linear drive motors to achieve extremely accurate and precise cutting at a very high speed.

2016: Muratec introduces the fiber laser punch combination machine, the LS3015HL. This machine combined the processing power of fiber laser cutting with forming and tapping capabilities in a single machine. Incorporating flying optics laser cutting with forming and tapping operations into a single machine allows for improved efficiencies and space utilization.

2023: Muratec debuts its combination punch press and fiber laser (MF3048HL). This integrated machine combines the benefits of punch operations with laser cutting technology, eliminating the need for separate setups or material transfers between machines.

2024: Muratec celebrates its 50th anniversary in the USA, and commemorates the 35th anniversary of its Wiedemann acquisition. The company’s latest offering, the MF30510, showcases the culmination of decades of innovation—a fiber laser and punch combination machine designed to deliver multitasking capability, improved precision, and automation-ready features for future smart factories.

Looking to automate your sheet-metal fabrication facility? Explore Muratec USA’s full line of fabrication machinery.