Recently, our crew had a factory tour in Shanghai Machine Tool Works ltd, which has almost 100 years of history of CNC machinery manufacturing. This article will briefly tells the glory history about ShangHai Machine Tool Works Co,.Ltd and why they are important to the whole CNC manufacturing industry in China.
(Workers in ShangHai Machine Tool Works Ltd, 1984)
Shanghai Machine Tool Works Ltd , established in 1946, stands as a testament to China's manufacturing prowess. With a rich history spanning over several decades, it has evolved from a modest beginning into one of the country's leading manufacturers of precision grinding machines and precision measuring instruments. Its journey is not only a story of technological advancement but also a reflection of China's industrial growth and resilience.
Historical Background and Development
( Old model of bending machine made by ShangHai Machine Tool works Ltd.)
The predecessor of Shanghai Machine Tool Factory was the China Agricultural Machinery Special Corporation, which was established in 1943. In 1946, it moved to Shanghai and established a factory south of the Qiujiang Bridge, later known as the Qiujiang Bridge General Factory. Before liberation, the factory mainly produced simple agricultural machinery such as hoes and cotton ginning machines. However, due to its status as a bureaucratic capital enterprise monopolized by the "Four Great Families" of the Kuomintang, its funds were primarily used for speculative trading rather than production activities.
After the liberation of Shanghai in May 1949, the Qiujiang Bridge General Factory possessed 163 machine tools, 77 types of forging and casting equipment, 25 types of heat treatment equipment, 113 vehicles, 5 generators, over 10,000 tons of pig iron, as well as a group of technical and management personnel. In November 1949, the factory was renamed the East China Industrial Department Qiujiang Machinery Factory and later changed to the East China Industrial Department Qiujiang Machine Factory. At this time, the factory was outstanding in the mechanical industry both in Shanghai and nationwide due to its complete equipment and highly skilled personnel.
In 1950, the factory successfully trial-produced the Qiu 13 universal and tool grinding machine, marking the beginning of China's manufacturing history of grinding machines. In 1951, the 75mm horizontal boring machine was also successfully trial-produced. These two machines represented China's first exhibition abroad. Many other products from Shanghai Machine Tool Factory were also exhibited internationally.
In 1952, with the establishment of the First Machinery Industry Ministry, the Qiujiang Machine Factory was placed under its jurisdiction. During a meeting of the Machine Tool Bureau of the First Machinery Industry Ministry, it was officially decided that the Qiujiang Machine Factory would mainly produce cylindrical grinding machines, surface grinding machines, and corresponding specialized grinding machines. In 1953, the factory was officially renamed Shanghai Machine Tool Factory.
During the "First Five-Year Plan" period, the factory mainly produced grinding machines by imitation (from the United States and the Soviet Union), developing 33 varieties of grinding machines and achieving remarkable results. In 1957, Chairman Mao Zedong visited the factory. In 1958, the factory was devolved to the management of the Shanghai Municipal Government under the leadership of the Shanghai Machinery Industry Bureau. From 1958 to 1965, the factory transitioned from imitation to independent design.
Shanghai Machine Tool Factory continued to make significant contributions to the domestic machine tool industry by transferring technology to other factories and assisting in the establishment of new factories. During the Cultural Revolution, despite facing interference and destruction, the factory still achieved many accomplishments. From 1970 to 1975, the factory designed and trial-produced four major grinding machines, providing new technical equipment for China's locomotive industry, aviation industry, shipbuilding industry, and metallurgical industry.
Since then, Shanghai Machine Tool Factory has continued to develop and innovate, focusing on enhancing the technical level of the domestic machine tool industry and promoting product upgrades. Today, the factory is renowned domestically and internationally for its excellent product quality and diversity. It has obtained numerous honors and certifications, demonstrating its commitment to quality and innovation throughout its production, operation, and management processes.
Shanghai Machine Tool Factory has witnessed China's industrial progress and played a significant role in the development of the machine tool industry. Its rich history and continuous innovation have made it a leading enterprise in the field of precision grinding machines and precision measuring instruments.
(Chairman Mao ZeDong visited factory in 1957.)
（Iconic photos of factory programs)
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