Key takeaways:
- The companies AMADA, Accurpress, JFY, LVD, and YSD are industry leaders in metal processing machinery, each with a distinct history and global footprint, indicating a competitive and diverse market where innovation, regional expansion, and customer service are critical to maintaining industry leadership.
- AMADA and JFY, as examples, have significantly invested in localizing their operations in strategic markets such as China, suggesting a trend among these companies to offer tailored solutions and services to meet regional demands and to capitalize on local manufacturing and sales opportunities.
- The presence of advanced technologies such as intelligent automation and environmentally friendly operations in AMADA’s product offerings, alongside the comprehensive range of CNC tools provided by companies like JFY, reflects an industry emphasis on technological advancement and versatility to cater to a wide array of industrial applications.
1. AMADA
Country: Japan
Founded: 1946
About the company:
AMADA CO., LTD is a leading global manufacturer specializing in advanced sheet metal processing machinery and solutions. Since its inception, AMADA has evolved into a comprehensive, publicly-listed group that integrates product development, design, manufacturing, education, training, and after-sales services, supported by an extensive global marketing network.
With 83 branches across all continents, AMADA’s products are distributed in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. The company has established itself as the industry leader in sheet metal processing machinery, offering a diverse range of high-performance, technologically advanced products.
In the 1990s, AMADA pioneered the development of the 21st-century intelligent automatic sheet metal processing center, setting a new global standard for smart manufacturing in the sheet metal industry. This innovation exemplifies AMADA’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries and anticipating future industry needs.
AMADA’s global success and user preference stem from several key factors:
- Rational mechanical design principles
- Consistent high-quality assurance
- Efficient, environmentally-friendly operations
- Proven ability to enhance user profitability
- Robust safety features and protocols
The company’s products incorporate advanced automation technologies, streamlining processing operations for users. This commitment to innovation and user-centric design has propelled AMADA’s products to global prominence, with annual sales reaching 200 billion yen.
AMADA’s expansion into China began in 1983 with the opening of its Beijing office. The company has since established a strong presence in the Chinese market through strategic initiatives:
- 1993: Beijing AMADA Machine Tool Mold Co., Ltd.
- 1996: AMADA International Industry and Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
- 1996: AMADA (Shanghai) Machine Tool Co., Ltd. (manufacturing punches, bending machines, etc.)
- 2001: AMADA International Trade (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
- 2003: AMADA (Lianyungang) Machine Tool Co., Ltd. (production, sales, and service of band saws and saw blades)
Currently, AMADA is constructing a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, including a technical center, in Shanghai’s Qingpu District. This facility will enhance the company’s ability to serve the Chinese market with locally produced, cutting-edge solutions.
To further strengthen its position in China, AMADA is establishing a regional company in Shanghai with a registered capital of 2.5 billion yen. This entity will oversee AMADA’s business operations throughout China, enabling more efficient decision-making and market responsiveness.
Looking ahead, AMADA’s strategy for the Chinese market includes:
- Developing and manufacturing products tailored to Chinese customer needs
- Leveraging the AMADA Group’s financial strength to offer manufacturer financing and leasing options
- Implementing sales strategies to improve equipment accessibility for customers
- Continuous research and adaptation of market approaches to enhance customer acquisition and satisfaction
Through these initiatives, AMADA aims to solidify its position as a premier provider of sheet metal processing solutions in the rapidly growing Chinese market while maintaining its global leadership in technological innovation and customer support.
2. Accurpress
Country: Canada
Founded: 1973
About the company:
Accurpress was officially established in Vancouver, Canada, in 1973 by Mr. Ted Hilton, following years of experience in manufacturing bending machines. The company expanded its product line to include shearing machines in 1976, marking the beginning of a comprehensive metal fabrication solution provider.
Through decades of innovation and strategic expansion, Accurpress has evolved into a globally recognized multinational enterprise. The company now operates six manufacturing facilities and a dedicated research and development center across Canada, the United States, and China, showcasing its commitment to global presence and technological advancement.
While founded in Canada, Accurpress’s corporate headquarters is now situated in Rapid City, United States, emphasizing its international growth and market penetration strategies.
Accurpress made its entry into the Chinese market in 1986 with its first equipment sale, marking the beginning of a significant expansion in the region. To further strengthen its position in Asia, Accurpress Group established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Aike (Suzhou) Machinery Co., Ltd., in Taicang, China, in July 2003.
Serving as the research and development, production, and service hub for the Asia Pacific region, Accurpress China has demonstrated remarkable growth. Over the past decade, it has supplied more than 6,000 high-quality machine tools to over 4,000 customers across diverse markets including China, Australia, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Russia, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Accurpress’s client portfolio spans various industries and includes many Fortune 500 companies and global leaders. Notable customers include automotive giants like General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler; aerospace leader Boeing; appliance manufacturer Whirlpool; technology corporations such as IBM and Siemens; energy company Mobil; and major Asian manufacturers like CRRC, Baosteel Group, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, SAIC, and FAW. This diverse and prestigious customer base underscores Accurpress’s reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable metal fabrication equipment that meets the exacting standards of world-class manufacturing operations.
3. JFY
Country: China
Founded: 1997
About the company:
Jiangsu Jinfangyuan CNC Machine Tool Co., Ltd. (JFY) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German Trumpf Group, a global leader in machine tools and laser technology. Established in 1997 with a registered capital of 150 million yuan, JFY specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of advanced CNC machine tools. The company provides comprehensive automated processing solutions for diverse industries, including switchgear, automotive, home appliances, electronics, instrumentation, and aerospace.
Strategically located in the Hanjiang High-Tech Zone of Yangzhou, JFY operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities covering a total area exceeding 340 mu (approximately 55.6 acres). Since pioneering the development and production of CNC mechanical punches in 1990, JFY has continuously expanded its product portfolio and technological capabilities.
Today, JFY boasts an annual production capacity of over 2,000 CNC machine tools, encompassing a wide range of high-precision equipment:
- CNC Punching Machines: VT, HVT, DMT/MTE/MT/MTA series, featuring hydraulic, high-speed hydraulic, and electric turret punch presses.
- CNC Press Brakes: PR/PM/PD series high-speed hydraulic bending machines, offering precise and efficient sheet metal forming.
- CNC Shears: VR and MVR series high-speed plate shears, designed for accurate and rapid cutting of metal sheets.
- Laser Cutting Systems: EFC and TFC series laser cutting machines, as well as flexible CNC laser cutting production lines.
- Integrated Solutions: CNC punching and shearing composite processing lines, automated warehousing and logistics systems, and large-scale metal plate flexible manufacturing systems.
JFY’s products serve nearly 30 industrial categories and are widely distributed across China. The company has also established a strong international presence, exporting to key markets including Russia, India, Argentina, the United Kingdom, the United States, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Recognized for its operational excellence, JFY consistently ranks among the top performers in the domestic machine tool industry in terms of per capita sales and profits. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation is evidenced by its early adoption of ISO 9001 certification, CE certification for multiple products, and an impressive intellectual property portfolio comprising several national invention patents and over 100 utility model patents.
By leveraging its technological expertise, global reach, and continuous innovation, JFY has positioned itself as a leading force in the CNC machine tool industry, driving advancements in metal fabrication and manufacturing efficiency across various sectors.
4. LVD
Country: Belgium
Founded: 1952
About the company:
LVD derives its name from the initials of its three visionary founders: Jacques Lefebvre, Marc Vanneste, and Robert Dewulf.
Established in 1952, LVD has earned global recognition as a premier manufacturer of precision sheet metal bending machines. The company’s reputation is built on decades of engineering excellence and continuous innovation in press brake technology.
LVD experienced substantial growth during the 1990s, marking a pivotal era in its expansion. A key milestone was the 1998 acquisition of Strippit (formerly Streper), a renowned manufacturer of turret punch presses. This strategic move, coupled with the company’s entry into laser cutting machine production, propelled LVD to the forefront of the industry. Today, LVD stands as a leader in the trifecta of sheet metal fabrication technologies: laser cutting, punching, and bending.
In the modern era, LVD has evolved into a comprehensive solution provider for the entire spectrum of sheet metal processing. Their product portfolio encompasses advanced machinery for cutting, punching, bending, and integrating these processes, complemented by sophisticated software for seamless workflow management.
LVD’s global footprint includes five state-of-the-art production facilities strategically located worldwide. The company maintains an active presence in 45 countries, adhering to a customer-centric philosophy of providing localized sales and service support across all regions. This approach ensures prompt, efficient, and culturally attuned assistance to their diverse international clientele, reinforcing LVD’s commitment to excellence in both product quality and customer service.
5. YSD
Country: China
Founded: 1958
About the company:
Hubei Sanhuan Forging Equipment Co., Ltd. (formerly Huangshi Forging Machine Tool Co., Ltd.), established in 1958, has earned recognition as a leading enterprise in China’s metal forming machine tool manufacturing industry.
Through six decades of innovative development, the company has evolved into a modern enterprise with advanced research capabilities and manufacturing prowess.
Currently employing 1,100 staff members, the company boasts a skilled workforce including 212 engineering technicians and over 30 senior technical experts.
Recognized as a postdoctoral industrial base in Hubei Province, the company serves as a research and development hub with an annual production capacity of 1,500 sets of precision CNC forging machine tools.
The company specializes in manufacturing over 200 specifications of metal processing and forming equipment across 11 categories. Their product range includes:
- CNC bending machines
- CNC plate shearing machines
- CNC turret punch presses
- Laser cutting machines
- CNC cold drawing machines
- Uncoiling plate shearing machines
- Precision forging machines
- Tube cold bending machines
- High-energy screw presses
- Automatic cold heading machines
- Uncoiling and leveling lines
- Large straight seam tube forming equipment
- Mining movable rescue capsules
These products have gained popularity in both domestic and international markets, finding widespread application across various industries including:
- Energy and pipelines
- Steel structures
- Communications
- Electric power
- Shipbuilding
- Automotive
- Aerospace and defense
- Transportation
- Mining and resource extraction
The company’s equipment plays a crucial role in supporting key industrial sectors and urban development projects throughout China and beyond.
6. TSD
Country: China
Founded: 1966
About the company:
Tianshui Forging Machine Tool (Group) Co., Ltd., situated in Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China, has been a prominent player in the metal fabrication industry since its establishment in 1966. Originally known as Tianshui Forging Machine Tool Factory, the company has evolved into a leading manufacturer of advanced metal forming equipment.
The company’s extensive product portfolio encompasses five major categories, 20 series, and over 200 specifications. Their core offerings include plate shears, bending machines, hydraulic presses, rolling machines, and complete sets of JCOE large diameter LSAW pipe equipment. These sophisticated machines cater to a diverse range of industries, including machinery manufacturing, metallurgy, petrochemical, electric power, wind power generation, aerospace, national defense, automotive, railways, shipbuilding, and oil and gas transmission.
TSD’s manufacturing capabilities are supported by a substantial infrastructure. The company’s facilities span 310,000 square meters, with 63,000 square meters dedicated to production buildings. The state-of-the-art manufacturing setup includes more than 360 sets of primary production equipment, featuring approximately 40 sets of large and precision machinery. Notable among these are the imported φ220 large digital display floor chain milling machines, 2500 × 8000 large digital display gantry milling machines, 1000 × 10000 large surface grinding machines, CNC machining centers, and CNC lathes.
Commitment to innovation and quality has been a hallmark of TSD’s operations. The company has successfully registered its trademark and has been granted 86 national invention patents and utility model patents, underscoring its technological prowess and dedication to advancing metal forming processes.
TSD’s flagship products – plate shears, bending machines, and complete sets of pipe making equipment – have established the company as a key player in the global metal fabrication equipment market. These machines are renowned for their precision, efficiency, and ability to handle large-scale operations, particularly in the production of large diameter pipes for oil and gas transmission.
7. Yawei
Country: China
Founded: 1956
About the company:
Jiangsu Yawei Machine Tool Co., Ltd., established in 1956, has evolved over six decades to become a premier enterprise in China’s sheet metal forming machine tool industry. The company specializes in developing, manufacturing, and distributing advanced intelligent automation products, including CNC turret punches, CNC bending machines, CNC laser cutting systems, automated metal plate processing systems, automated metal coil processing production lines, and linear and horizontal multi-joint robots.
In March 2011, Yawei achieved a significant milestone by successfully listing on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The company boasts a workforce of over 1,300 employees, with total assets of 2.2 billion yuan and net assets of 1.6 billion yuan, underlining its substantial market presence and financial stability.
Yawei’s commitment to technological leadership and brand development is evident in its establishment of a national postdoctoral research workstation. As a high-tech enterprise recognized by the National Torch Plan, Yawei has also set up a provincial technology center. The company’s dedication to innovation is further demonstrated by its team of nearly 300 personnel engaged in research and development of cutting-edge technological products. Yawei has successfully undertaken and completed numerous national and provincial scientific and technological breakthrough projects, as well as technology transformation initiatives.
The company’s product and service portfolio caters to both domestic and international markets. Over the years, Yawei has earned the trust and loyalty of a diverse customer base through its industry-leading technical performance, high-quality manufacturing standards, and a comprehensive, efficient integrated marketing and service system. This approach has solidified Yawei’s position as a respected player in the global sheet metal forming equipment market.
8. Yangli
Country: China
Founded: 1966
About the company:
Yangli Group, established in 1966, is headquartered in Yangzhou, a city renowned for its rich history, culture, and scenic beauty in China. The company has grown to become a leading force in the metal forming equipment manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on innovation and comprehensive capabilities.
Spanning an impressive 1,670 mu (approximately 111 hectares), Yangli Group employs over 4,000 staff members. The company boasts a registered capital of 150 million yuan and total assets of 2.8 billion yuan, underscoring its substantial financial strength and market position.
Yangli Group’s core competency lies in the research, development, and production of high-end sheet metal processing equipment and intelligent production lines. Their extensive product range covers various metal forming technologies, including stamping, sheet metal fabrication, forging, and laser processing. This diverse portfolio has established Yangli as a prominent domestic manufacturer of medium to high-end metal forming equipment, distinguished by its large-scale operations and comprehensive product offerings.
The group’s products find wide application across multiple industries, including automotive, home appliances, aerospace, shipbuilding, new energy, emerging infrastructure projects, hardware manufacturing, and electronics. This broad market penetration demonstrates the versatility and quality of Yangli’s equipment.
Yangli Group operates through three manufacturing bases: Yangli Industrial Park, Yangli Science and Technology Park, and Yangli Industrial Park. The company is structured into five production divisions: Yangli Machine Tools, Yangli Heavy Machinery, Yangli Precision Machinery, Yangli CNC, and Yangli Hydraulic. This organizational structure enables specialized focus and expertise in different areas of metal forming technology.
With 600,000 square meters of modern, standardized manufacturing facilities equipped with high-precision, advanced processing equipment, Yangli Group has the capacity to produce 30,000 complete machine sets annually. Furthermore, the company offers comprehensive solutions for high-end sheet metal processing, showcasing its ability to meet diverse customer needs.
At the heart of Yangli’s innovation drive is the Yangli Research Institute, which encompasses various specialized research centers and institutes. These include a postdoctoral research workstation, a provincial engineering technology research center, an intelligent manufacturing center, and dedicated institutes for forging technology, press machines, heavy machine tools, precision machine tools, CNC machine tools, and hydraulic equipment. This robust research infrastructure facilitates continuous technological advancement and product innovation.
Yangli Group has fostered strong collaborative relationships with numerous domestic and international research institutions, further enhancing its R&D capabilities. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its impressive portfolio of 96 national invention patents and its involvement in over 40 national, provincial, and municipal-level science and technology projects in recent years.
Additionally, Yangli Group plays a significant role in shaping industry standards. As the secretariat unit of the Press Branch of the National Forging Machinery Standard Committee, the company has led or participated in the development and revision of 27 national and industry standards. This involvement not only demonstrates Yangli’s expertise but also its commitment to advancing the entire metal forming equipment industry.
Shanghai Electric
Country: China
Founded: 1981
About the company:
Shanghai Machine Tool Works Co., Ltd. is a leading precision grinder manufacturing enterprise in China, playing a pivotal role in the domestic grinding machine industry. The company boasts a comprehensive product portfolio, wide-ranging applications, and a significant market share in the domestic grinding machine sector.
The core business of Shanghai Electric focuses on the production and manufacturing of diverse grinding machines. Their product line encompasses ten categories of grinding machines, including cylindrical grinders, surface grinders, roll grinders, and crankshaft grinders, available in standard, precision, large-scale, specialized, and CNC configurations. Notably, their cylindrical series grinders, CNC end cylindrical grinders, CNC axle grinders, and CNC crankshaft grinders feature cutting-edge technologies that lead the national industry.
While maintaining its dominant position in grinding machine production, the company has strategically expanded its product range beyond grinders. This diversification includes the manufacturing and sales of forming machine tools, such as the QC12Y series plate shears, WC67Y series plate bending machines, and PS series CNC plate bending machines. This product expansion has significantly enhanced the company’s business scale and market presence.
Shanghai Electric’s commitment to innovation is evident in its robust technical capabilities. The company has established the Shanghai Grinder Research Institute, a dedicated product research and development center. Furthermore, it benefits from the expertise of a distinguished technical team, including academicians from the Academy of Engineering and professor-level senior engineers, who provide crucial support for product development and innovation.
Since 2009, the company has capitalized on national initiatives, securing nine major scientific and technological projects under the “CNC machine tools and basic manufacturing equipment” program. Successfully passing four national inspections, these achievements have laid a solid foundation for the enterprise to further optimize its structure, align with international standards, and achieve import substitution goals.
Shanghai Electric’s commitment to quality is encapsulated in its philosophy of “shaping character and making high-quality products,” which permeates all aspects of production, operation, and management. Through continuous independent innovation, the company benchmarks its products against advanced international grinding machines. It has taken on the responsibility of elevating the technical standards of the domestic machine tool industry, driving product upgrades and technological advancements in the sector.
10. Jinqiu
Country: China
Founded: 1969
About the company:
Wuxi Jinqiu Machinery Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Tianqi Co., Ltd. (stock code: 002009), is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the design, development, production, sales, and technical services of advanced sheet metal processing equipment. Their product range includes CNC and conventional bending machines, shearing machines, grooving machines, and curved surface rapid prototyping systems.
Established in 1969, Jinqiu has become a leading force in China’s sheet metal equipment manufacturing sector, with over 50 years of expertise in the forging industry. The company’s reputation for quality and innovation has led to its products being exported to more than 50 countries and regions, including technological powerhouses such as the United States, Germany, and Japan, as well as emerging markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Jinqiu’s annual production capacity exceeds 1000 units of various CNC machine tools and specialized equipment, demonstrating its significant manufacturing capabilities. The company’s facilities span an impressive 52,000 square meters, with 39,700 square meters dedicated to building space.
With fixed assets valued at nearly 80 million yuan, Jinqiu boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. Their machinery lineup includes large-scale imported CNC gantry milling machines, CNC lithium milling machines, advanced machining centers, and heavy-duty 100-ton cranes. These precision tools enable Jinqiu to maintain high standards of accuracy and efficiency in their production processes.
Emphasizing environmental responsibility, Jinqiu has invested in six fully enclosed, pollution-free paint rooms that comply with stringent environmental discharge standards. These facilities, covering nearly 400 square meters, showcase the company’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices while ensuring high-quality surface finishing for their products.
Jinqiu’s comprehensive capabilities, from design to after-sales support, position it as a key player in the global sheet metal processing equipment market, continuously adapting to industry trends and customer needs.