Worcester Business Journal

W o r c e s t e r 3 0 0 : C i t y o f I n n o v a t o r s 99 specializes in customized, precision machines that meet customers' needs and requirements. Each machine "pushes the envelope" to achieve greater tolerances and adheres to detailed specifications. During the recent COVID pandemic, Kinefac continued operations, holding fast to its roots of introducing new and innovative metal forming processes machinery and tooling. rough innovation, and research and development efforts, the company developed its PowerBox technology, introducing a new 60-ton dual station spline rolling machine for the automotive industry and a new 50-ton three-die thread rolling machine for the aerospace and precision fastener industry. Supporting Worcester Since its inception, Kinefac has kept all manufacturing in Worcester as it works with local vendors and suppliers. e company is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the CMEA, occupying a seat on the board in past years. From 1962 to 1974, the company occupied the first floor of a brick mill building constructed in the 1870s. When the City designated the building for redevelopment, Kinefac moved to a four-story plant with more than 40,000 square feet of production space, overlooking the central Worcester railroad yard. By 1990, the company had outgrown this space and moved to a newly built facility at its current location. Furthermore, Kinefac recruits talent locally and boasts a high retention rate. e company's family-friendly environment means that many employees spend their entire work careers at the company. Kinefac supports its workforce through generous educational and professional advancement opportunities. Many employees, who are graduates of Worcester schools, have been with the company for 20+ years. As the company continues to grow, it anticipates adding 15 percent more staff to its existing workforce of 50. Headquartered in Worcester, Kinefac maintains sales and service offices in China, India and Mexico. Kinefac machines can be found in more than 25 countries and on every continent, including Antarctica. In the '70s, the company began to expand its global reach, selling their machines to high-tech companies around the world, while still maintaining manufacturing operations in Worcester. Currently, between 20 and 30 percent of revenue is derived from exports. Industry Advocate From its inception, Kinefac has been committed to advocacy for the manufacturing industry. Howard Greis became involved in advocacy at the local and national levels, testifying at one time before Congress. He founded and chaired the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, embracing the belief that manufacturing is good for the country and for the economy. Greis also served as chair of the Industry Advisory Committee to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Machine Tool Builders Partnership Program. e company has continued advocacy efforts through the years and has been involved in several industry organizations, including AMT, NAM, MassMEP and Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, which strives to create manufacturing strategies for the Commonwealth. Company representatives have sat on the board and on the manufacturing committee of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM). Kinefac's ability to innovate, maximize the use of technology, and to serve global markets has resulted in its successful evolution. e company has retained jobs, design, engineering, and manufacturing locally in Worcester. Currently under second-generation family leadership, together with a mix of new and veteran employees, Kinefac adheres to the company's original mission, vision and purpose. n Top photo: Howard A. Greis, Founder and President, 1925-2011 (left to right) Tiny metal coils for medical devices are produced by Kinefac's ® MicroCoiler TM machine; Kinefac's ® dual-station PowerBox KineRoller TM produces splines for the automotive industry. S P O N S O R E D P R O F I L E S

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