Representing a substantial investment in time, money, and expertise, Tsugami America unveiled its much-anticipated new Process Development Center (PDC) in its new corporate headquarters in Windsor, Connecticut. The PDC sends a clear message to the company’s customers: Tsugami is here to support you every step of the way with your machining needs, from initial part development to production-ready.
Combining decades of technical expertise with industry know-how, the PDC takes customer projects “from concept to full implementation,” according to the company. “The team provides customers with test cut samples, quality verification, and project launch assistance,” says Salay Quaranta, Vice President of Sales.
“We’ve created a space to do customized test cuts and development work with customers on machines exactly like the machines they are purchasing, helping them shorten their launch time,” explains George Media, Vice President of Operations. “When they walk into the room, they’ll have a ‘Wow!’ moment because they will see our vision and the need for the Process Development Center,” he says.
“Our team of advanced application engineers covers a wide range of technology, from Swiss multifunction and laser to performing test cuts, critical dimension and feature verification, and supporting product development. It’s a space where our clients, partners, and technical experts can tackle even the most challenging small-part manufacturing projects,” continues Media.
Now located in Tsugami America’s headquarters in Windsor, Connecticut, Innovative Machine Group (IMG), is home to the Make Ready department. An ISO 9001:2015 registered company, Make Ready was created “with the sole purpose of providing fully customized Tsugami machines to the end-user customers of Tsugami America and its distribution,” the company notes.
In this 30,000-square-foot facility, Tsugami machines undergo extensive quality checks before they reach customers. Customization is tailored to each order, and the Make Ready team ensures that all non-standard machine options are fitted and tested. The entire process is photographed and documented prior to packaging and shipment.
Tsugami America’s customers and distribution partners view the Make Ready program as an extension of their engineering capabilities. “So, when they receive their Tsugami machine, they are ready to go,” adds Media.
Previously split between two buildings, the Tsugami America and IMG facilities are now under one roof, streamlining operations and ensuring complete customer service.
The Make Ready program truly sets Tsugami America apart from the competition. Each precision machine is prepared to meet specific customer requirements. Specially configured options—both custom and standard—are installed, tested, and programmed. “As soon as it’s shipped and set up on the customer’s floor, it is powered up, training can begin, and parts can be made. This saves three to four weeks of machine preparation on the customer’s floor,” comments Media.
Depending on customer specifications, precision machines can be ordered and delivered in just a few days, while highly customized solutions may require a longer lead time. To complement the entire package, Tsugami America’s own service technicians travel to customer sites to ensure everything works smoothly and cover everything from preventative maintenance to spindle and attachment repairs.
“We support all aspects of Tsugami machine tools and operations,” says Quaranta. “Our service technicians are located across the United States and beyond, with the support of our distribution network partners in Canada and Mexico. We can help with the installation of the machine, training classes, and any other development support customers may need.”
Together with its sister company IMG, Tsugami America employs approximately 110 people, including many veteran engineers. “Everybody touches machines, contracts, and works directly with customers,” explains Media. “Service and engineering make up the bulk of our company. We want to help customers and our distribution team, which requires qualified, hands-on people, not someone in an office somewhere telling them what to do.” The company prides itself on assisting clients at every stage, from project inception to decommissioning.
The three core philosophies of Precision Tsugami machine tools are accuracy, speed, and rigidity. “This is reflected in every machine platform, enabling the company to deliver the highest quality in manufacturing components produced on a Tsugami solution,” says Quaranta. “Tsugami America—along with our distribution partners across North America—provides extensive support, from advanced manufacturing and process development to service and aftercare with preventative maintenance programs.” She continues, “We pride ourselves on being close to our customers and their manufacturing needs.”
Since becoming North America’s exclusive source for Precision Tsugami machine tools in 1978, Tsugami America has provided innovative products and engineering solutions to clients across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, serving well-known companies in the medical manufacturing, aerospace, defense, energy, and automotive sectors.
“We are present everywhere, from OEMs to Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers and contract service providers, including job shops,” says Quaranta. “You’ll find Tsugami solutions in many different industries.”
The small parts produced on Tsugami America’s precision machines are used across multiple sectors, including life-saving medical devices, critical aerospace components, satellite parts, and cutting-edge energy and defense technologies.
Tsugami America has a robust library of videos showcasing its equipment in action. “We like to get people hands-on, and part of that is telling our customers’ stories. Their real-life experiences speak louder than anything we can say,” says Tsugami America’s Brand Marketing Manager, Amy Schildwaster. “We believe our equipment is top-of-the-line, but it is our customers who prove it.”
To be sure, Tsugami America’s Process Development Center represents a significant advancement in the company’s commitment to supporting customers at every stage of the manufacturing process. By providing tailored support through customized test cuts, project assistance, and comprehensive aftercare services, Tsugami ensures that clients are equipped to meet the challenges of small-part manufacturing. With a customer-centric approach, extensive technical expertise, and a focus on precision, Tsugami continues to strengthen its position as a leader in machining solutions, empowering industries like medical, aerospace, and defense to achieve excellence in production.
