In 1830, Simon Fairman, developed the first hand operated chuck and received a patent for his invention.  His daughter married A.F. Cushman of Hartford, a pattern maker at Colt Fire Arms.  In 1862, Cushman acquired his father-in-law’s burgeoning business and began chuck manufacturing at his residence.  The original quarters were soon outgrown necessitating the construction of a new building, equipped for manufacturing chucks.   The company moved to the facility pictured above in 1914 and continued to thrive through the years.   

A.F. Cushman was succeed by his son and later by his grandson, R. Cushman.   A.P. Sloan was one of the company's original incorporators became president in 1923.   He was largely  responsible for the product design and was awarded many patents during his long career.   Mr. Sloan was succeeded by his son and later by his grandson, H.E. Sloan Jr.

Through innovation and product development, Cushman became the world's leading chuck maker - awarded over fifty patents.  The growth of Cushman was the result of fundamental know-how, developed over the years, coupled with intensive engineering and practical experience.

During the 1980's, Cushman Industries wasn't immune to the challenges seen in the US machine tool industry.   Seeing shrinking markets and changing times, Cushman was acquired in the mid 1990's by TSD, a division of DeVlieg-Bullard.   Under TSD's leadership, Cushman Industries regained it's footing and maintained it's market position.  

In early 2005, Cushman Industries was acquired by Republic Drill (Chicago, IL).   Republic Drill is a leading manufacturer of cutting tools with nationwide sales and distribution.   Republic Drill brings a financial stability to Cushman Industries required to compete in the 21st century.   Also, Republic Drill respects Cushman Industries' proud past and inherent value to it's customers - offering a complete line of manual chucks, power chucks, Combination chucks "AccraLock" chucks special purpose chucks, pneumatic and hydraulic actuators, boring mill jaws, repair parts, service and consulting.

Today,  the new Cushman Industries, partnering with workholding specialists from around the world, stands ready to provide world-class products and services at competitive prices and deliveries with the highest levels of professionalism and courtesy.        

January 25, 2005 - Chicago, IL

Republic Drill is pleased to announce the acquisition of Cushman Industries - Frankenmuth, MI.     Our mission is to meet the worldwide demand for high-quality manufactured products along with outstanding service – while still providing our customers with the lowest possible prices.  In keeping with our strategy of market growth and development, Republic Drill embraces M&A opportunities that offer synergistic growth potential.   As stated by Gary Poteshman, General Manager-Republic Drill, "we saw the long-term potential with Cushman.   With over 140 years of product development and thousands of chucks in the field, the potential was obvious.   We know a good deal when we see it."  

Republic Drill has invested in it's new acquisition - expanding inventory - stock chucks and cylinder off the shelf.    Also, with world-class workholding partners, the new Cushman brings classic Cushman products to the market at competitive prices and deliveries.

Cushman Industries is positioned and committed to regain it's former leadership position within the workholding industry.   As stated by Mr. Poteshman, "we have all the tools needed to get back on top.    We have great products, field tested and proven through many years of customer experience.   We regularly get calls from customers needing service on chucks that are over 50 years old!   How can you argue with that product durability and success?"

For more information on Cushman Industries and it's full line of product, contact:

December 8, 2005 - Chicago, IL

Cushman Industries is pleased to announce the appointment of LaFox Tool as it's exclusive representative in Illinois and Wisconsin territories.   LaFox Tool is a machine tool accessory sales firm with many years of workholding experience.

Illinois and Wisconsin are strong markets for Cushman products.  "We look forward to working with LaFox Tool to service existing customers as well as expand new business there." says Gary Poteshman, Cushman Industries GM.  Serving OEM customers, machine tool distributors and house accounts, LaFox Tool focuses on technical sales and workholding consulting.

For more information on Cushman Industries in Illinois and Wisconsin, contact:

For more information on Cushman Industries and our full line of product, contact:

Gary Poteshman
Cushman Industries
2058 North 15th Ave.
Melrose Park, IL
(800) 886-3456 (ph)
(708) 865-1042 (fax)
inquiry@cushmanindustries.com