Bridgeport

The Bridgeport Machine Tool Company holds a significant place in the history of machining and manufacturing. It was founded in 1938 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA. The company gained widespread recognition for its invention of the Bridgeport Series 1 milling machine, which became an iconic piece of equipment in machine shops worldwide.

Since 1938, Bridgeport has been engineering and manufacturing versatile and reliable small milling machines. Bridgeport was founded by Rudolph F. Bannow and Magnus Wahlstrom in Bridgeport, Connecticut with the goal of producing milling machines for in-house use at their own plant.

Bridgeport’s most iconic product is the Bridgeport Series 1 Milling machine, which became a staple in machine shops and manufacturing facilities across the globe. The Series 1 milling machine revolutionised the industry with its introduction of a turret-style head that could be swivelled and tilted, allowing for versatile machining. This innovation allowed for greater precision and versatility in milling operations, making it a preferred choice for machinists and manufacturers.

Over the years, the Bridgeport brand became synonymous with quality and reliability in the machining industry. The company expanded its product line to include not only milling machines but also machining centres, grinding machines, and other precision equipment. Bridgeport machines are known for their robust construction, user-friendly design, and high-performance capabilities. They have been used across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and general manufacturing.

Bridgeport was acquired by InCompass in 2023. As an InCompass™ brand, Bridgeport will continue to evolve its business with the other InCompass™ manufacturing partners, contributing to the vision of creating manufactured growth solutions. The Bridgeport name and legacy live on in the form of various milling machines still in use today, as well as through the influence of its design principles on the machine tool industry.