NIMSCO

Five Questions provides an opportunity for SMI associate members to tell the spring industry about the products and services they offer. In this edition, we talk with Jerry Ashdown, President, Nichols International Machinery Systems Co. (NIMSCO).

1 end grinding machines, spring coiling lathes, and other specialty items such as chamfering machines and auger coiling machines. Simplex Rapid supplies the highest quality precision CNC spring coilers, garter spring machines, payoffs, torsion coilers, precision tooling grinders, and SECEM straighten and cut machines.

Can you tell us about the history of NIMSCO?

NIMSCO (Nichols International Machinery Systems Company) has been supplying machinery and providing technical services to the spring and wire industry since 1977. We became the North American distributor for Bennett Mahler and Simplex Rapid in 1983 and those relationships continue today. I have been with NIMSCO since 1999 and took ownership in 2019.

Can you tell us about a recent challenge that you were able to solve for a customer?

Our machines and vendors are adaptable and flexible. Recently, we interfaced a Simplex coiling machine with a preexisting external inspection device. This enabled our customer to measure specific dimensions in real-time and automatically correct the dimension if needed.

2

What are the latest trends in springmaking and wireforming equipment?

The industry is continuing down the path of high-speed production, reducing waste and decreasing labor costs. Our machines are easy to operate, utilize sophisticated software, and have a highly intuitive Human-Machine Interface (HMI). This results in fewer mechanical adjustments, faster changeover times, less scrap material and reduced expenses.

Having worked with these companies for 40 years, NIMSCO has the advantage of providing springmakers with the highest quality and reliability in the industry. The machinery lines we offer complement each other well and allow us to offer multiple solutions to meet our customer needs.

How have the challenges of the past several years impacted your business?

We recently designed a specialized jig on a Bennett Mahler machine that, to our knowledge, has never been done before. This will minimize scrap, save time and lessen company costs. n

Nichols International Machinery Systems Co. (NIMSCO) 5115B Tremont Avenue

Davenport, IA 52807

Phone 563-391-0400 j.ashdown@nimsco.com www.nimsco.co

3

NIMSCO represents several different machinery and accessory manufacturers. What advantage does that provide to springmakers?

Bennett Mahler and Simplex Rapid are both global spring industry leaders. Bennett Mahler offers a range of spring

NIMSCO, our suppliers, and our customers have had many challenges in the past several years in regard to logistical delays and material shortages which have resulted in longer lead times. Our customers are also experiencing a reduction in the labor force. We have all worked together to find solutions to tackle these issues to ensure our customers are getting the increased production and efficiency they need.