Martin Automatic, Inc.
Private
IndustryManufacturing
Founded1968 (age 58)[1]
FounderJohn Martin[2]
Key people
  • Jordan Martin
  • Jon Bauch
  • Gavin Rittmeyer
HeadquartersRockford, Illinois, United States
Num employees~160 (2025)
Area servedWorldwide
Websitewww.martinautomatic.com

Martin Automatic, Inc. is a manufacturer of web-handling equipment with headquarters in Rockford, Illinois. They specialize in automatic splicing unwinds, rewinds, splicing[3], tension control systems, and web-guiding systems for the printing, packaging, and converting industries.[4]

History

Martin Automatic was founded in 1968 by John Martin, an inventor and entrepreneur.[2][4] The company occupies a 170,000 square foot manufacturing facility near the Rock River with a 1.2-megawat solar panel system[5], making it one of the largest solar installations in northern Illinois.[6] The company was awarded the Dale Sabers Safety Award in 2020.[7]

As of 2025, they employ around 160 people[8] and work with Rock Valley College to provide internships and employment.[9] They operate globally[10] with customers in 54 countries.[11]

Products and technology

Martin Automatic designs and manufactures web-handling equipment including automatic splicing unwinds, automatic transfer rewinds, and tension control systems.[12] The company holds multiple patents for creations, including inertia compensation technology and idler rollers designed for high-speed, low-tension processes.[13][14]

They also produce equipment for paperboard products such as folding cartons[15], beverage carriers, and disposable cups and plates; roofing[16], industrial and construction goods; medical and diagnostic products; and specialty converting and manufacturing.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ "'Essential, extreme engineering' at first Martin Automatic Media Day". Label and Narrow Web. 2018-09-04. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  2. ^ Leaf, Brian (2011-02-28). "Rockford inventor John Martin is dead". Rockford Register Star. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  3. ^ "U.S. Patent for Knife wheel assembly suitable for forming a butt splice Patent (Patent # 4,892,611 issued January 9, 1990)". Justia Patents Search. 1990-01-09. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  4. ^ Reisig, Sebastian (2020-08-22). "From crushed smoke to boiler plate!". Packagingnewsletter. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  5. ^ Converting, Redazione (2023-05-02). "Packaging, Labelling, Cartotecnica" (in Italian). Converting Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  6. ^ "Solar System! Martin Automatic Installs Renewable Energy". Paper, Film & Foil Converter. 2025-12-03. Archived 2024-06-23 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  7. ^ "Martin Automatic wins safety award". Labels & Labeling. 2020-11-12. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  8. ^ "About Us". Martin Automatic, Inc.. 2025-11-04. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  9. ^ "Employer Services". Home. 2025-05-30. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  10. ^ "Martin Automatic Inc - Company Profile and News". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  11. ^ Zambo, Kristen (2017-03-25). "Transform 815: 'Innovation is everything' to Rockford's Martin Automatic Inc President Roger Cederholm". Rockford Register Star. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  12. ^ "Martin Automatic: As big as they come -- showcasing capabilities outside the printing industry". Coating Converting. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
  13. ^ "Patents Assigned to Martin Automatic, Inc.". Justia Patents. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
  14. ^ "State Briefs 2/28/08". Journal Star. 2008-02-28. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  15. ^ Maryin, John D. "AUTOMATIC KILN STOKERS". Journal of the American Ceramic Society 6, no. 10. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
  16. ^ "Martin Automatic shows its capability outside the printing industry". Welcome to Labels Flexible & More. 2023-06-05. Retrieved 2025-12-03.