160 Years of Innovation
Gleason's Total Gear Solutions approach provides more than just the broadest choice of gear manufacturing technologies in the industry, it also vertically integrates design, manufacturing and metrology processes to connect and optimize the value chain, for best quality results and optimum efficiency.
Conquering New Markets
The new Phoenix 100C Bevel Gear Cutting Machine and the 100PS Power Skiving Machine open the way to the world of robotics. The machines offer a wide range of robotic applications. At this year's CIMT show in Beijing, China, the Ti5 robot will be presented together with the 100PS machine. The Ti5 robot, which incorporates Gleason gears produced on the 100PS machine, loads and unloads the machine - completing the circle.
The Fastest Car Runs on Gleason Gears
Gleason Special Gear Services (SGS), Gleason’s inhouse job shop service for customers, provides the gears for the Speed Demon Racer setting another record 459.734 mph in August 2024.
Coniflex Pro
In 2023, Gleason introduces the Coniflex® Pro Design and Manufacturing System to improve the traditional straight bevel gear cutting process, using Coniflex Plus cutters with Pentac blades for high-speed dry cutting with reduced cutting times and increased accuracy.
Inspection at Nano Level
In the same year, Gleason presents the first of its new line of metrology systems providing customers with the ability to measure tooth surface quality at sub-micron level: the new 300GMS nano.
100% Quality Control
In 2022, Gleason introduces the new GRSL for Laser inspection and roll-testing in line with the production at Control show in Stuttgart, Germany. This revolutionairy allows to control quality of 100% production output.
Gear Trainer Webinars
During the pandemic, Gleason develops a new home training format: the Gear Trainer Webinars. These webinars continue after the pandemic evolving into a popular training opportunity in the gear industry, watched by more than 33,000 viewers until today.
Gears on Mars
In 2020, Gleason’s customer Forest City Gear produces the gears for the Mars rover on a GP300ES Gear Shaping Machine.
Gleason Switzerland
In 2019, Gleason acquires the Faessler Gear Honing Business. Establishment of Gleason Switzerland AG with headquarters in Studen and new operations in Bleienbach and Dietikon.
Tech-Center in Switzerland
In 2018, Gleason-Pfauter Maschinenfabrik GmbH opens its gates to a new technology and production center in Studen, Switzerland. This state-of-the-art facility is one of Gleason's competence centers for automotive gear manufacturing solutions.
Gear and Transmission Design
KISSsoft AG of Bubikon/Switzerland joins Gleason Corporation in 2017. KISSsoft's ingenious design and simulation software for gears and transmissions perfectly complements Gleason's existing manufacturing systems and closes the loop on smart factory services.
New Technology Center in India
In 2016, Gleason Works India reveals the new 200SVP Plunge Shaving Machine, its first developed machine. The following year, a new Technology and Manufacturing Center opened in Bangalore.
Measuring with the Speed of Light
With the GMSL series, Gleason is introducing measurement with multi-sensor testing including laser technology in 2016. Laser probing collects massive amounts of data for advanced analytics at a fraction of the time required by traditional measuring.
Gleason in Brazil
In the same year, Gleason Corporation acquires the gear cutting tools operations from Hurth Infer, Brazil and becomes Gleason Indústria de Ferramentas Ltda.
Celebrating 150 Years
In 2015, Gleason proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary with a spectacular festivity and an open house event. Former President James S. Gleason honors the employees and emphasizes, "Gleason owes its success to each and every employee."
Automation Systems
When Gleason acquires Distech Systems Inc. in 2014, Gleason adds automation solutions to its product portfolio. Gleason Automation Systems offers automation solutions for machine tools including fully integrated systems.
Carbide Tools from the Black Forest
In 2014, IMS Koepfer Tool Operations becomes Gleason Cutting Tools. The plant in Eisenbach, Germany focuses on carbide gear cutting tools, including hobs, milling cutters, shaper cutters and power skiving cutters.
Gleason-Saikuni
In 2013, Saikuni Machinery Co., Ltd. of Niigata, Japan, specialist for rack manufacturing machines joins Gleason Corporation.
Gleason Plastic Gears
In 2012, K2 Plastics becomes Gleason Plastic Gears. The new endeavour grows rapidly meeting the industry demand for high precision plastic gears.
LeCount Mandrels
In 2007, Gleason integrates the LeCount® Mandrel product line, patented by Charles W. LeCount in 1866, into its workholding portfolio. For the following years, it will be continuously improved by Gleason to become the industry's leading expanding mandrel.
Gleason Global Services
In 2007, Gleason merges all local service organizations into one global network: Gleason Global Services. While maintaining its local character, the new organization will thrive on the joint experience and cooperation of Gleason’s global operations, creating a network of nearly 300 service professionals worldwide.
Gleason Gear Technology Suzhou
Gleason's manufacturing presence in China starts in April 2006 and culminates in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for gear machines and tools in Suzhou. The new factory participates in Gleason's global manufacturing footprint for local and international supply.
Genesis Machine Series
In 2006, a new line of products is brought to the marketplace called the Genesis®. These machines include two vertical hobbing machines, a shaving machine and a threaded wheel grinding machine. The Genesis line of cylindrical gear production machines is produced in multiple locations around the world.
Gleason Metrology Systems
In 2005, M&M Metrology Systems joins Gleason Corporation, being renamed Gleason Metrology Systems (GMS). A few years later, GMS presents a completely modernized range of analytical gear inspection machines.
Gleason Mexico
Technical support and services in the fast-growing Mexican market is established in Quéretaro in 2002, followed by the opening of the Technology Center Saltillo in the North of Mexico in 2024.
RIT Kate Gleason College
In 1999, the Rochester Institute of Technology establishes the Kate Gleason College of Engineering and presents the Founder’s Award to James S. Gleason and Janis F. Gleason.
Gleason Cutting Tools
With the acquisition of the Hermann Pfauter Group, Gleason adds a broad range of cylindrical cutting and grinding tools to its product portfolio. Pfauter-Maag Cutting Tools in Loves Park, a suburb of Rockford, Illinois, will become Gleason Cutting Tools.
Pfauter Joins Gleason
In 1997, Hermann Pfauter Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH joins Gleason Corporation. Gleason now offers a complete line of machines, workholding and tools for bevel and cylindrical gear production: Leading to being the Total Gear Solutions Provider.
Distinguished Visitor
In 1996, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II., visits Gleason Works Ltd. in Plymouth, England, in recognition for its contributions to both, the national economy and the local community.
Gleason Works India
Gleason Works India Pvt. Ltd. is founded on April 1, 1996, to manufacture bevel gear cutting tools.
Carl Hurth Joins Gleason
In 1995, Carl Hurth Maschinen und Werkzeuge GmbH becomes part of Gleason Corporation. Gleason-Hurth extends Gleason's gear knowledge to threaded wheel grinding, honing and shaving, including the manufacture of a variety of gear tools.
Phoenix Rising
In 1988, a revolutionary machine is revealed to the public. The new Phoenix® has been under development for over five years and represents a radical departure from any gear cutting or grinding machine previously built.
Gleason Corporation
In 1984, The Gleason Works is restructured into Gleason Corporation. The company now has 3,000 workers worldwide, including 1,650 in Monroe Country.
Following in the Footsteps
In 1980, James S. Gleason, Andrew Gleason’s grandson, becomes President and CEO. He faces the difficult task of downsizing the company in the late 1980s and refocusing on its core mission. James also leads the company through a merger in 2000 and the subsequent transition from being a publicly traded company to private ownership.
Bevel and Hypoid Completing Theory
With the development of the Bevel and Hypoid Completing Theory in 1972, bevel gears can now be cut in one completing operation in 25% of the time it takes with the former 5-cut process. New cutter systems accompany machine developments, like RSR® completing cutters.
New Frontiers
In 1969, The Gleason Works contributes its technical expertise to the Apollo Space Program. Specific Curvic Couplings are developed for the propellant pump found in the Saturn V Rocket.
The First Hundred Years
In 1965, The Gleason Works celebrates its 100th Anniversary.
E for Export
In 1963, President Kennedy’s "E-for-Export" Award is presented to the Gleason Works in recognition of its significant contribution to the American economy through successful export of American-made products to foreign countries.
The Curvic Coupling
The Gleason Works management decides to market another device invented by Wildhaber in 1942 called the Curvic® Coupling. Machines are designed to produce the unique coupling just in time for the debut of an early and significant use, the jet aircraft engine.
Revacycle Process
In 1937, Ernst Wildhaber develops the Revacycle® process for mass production of differential gears. The Revacycle process performs a non-generated form cutting of the tooth profiles.
Formate Method
In 1934, Ernest Wildhaber develops the Formate Method of cutting spiral bevel and hypoid gears.
First Hypoid Differential
The design and manufacturing of hypoid gears revolutionizes the automotive industry, allowing to lower the automobile frame, improving looks and performance. The Packard 426 becomes the first production vehicle equipped with a hypoid differential.
Founding AGMA
In 1916, the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) is established with Gleason as one of the founding members. The first AGMA meeting is held at The Gleason Works in 1921.
Automatic Spiral Bevel Gear Generator
In 1914, the first production model 15” Automatic Spiral Bevel Gear Generator is introduced to the market.
Spiral Bevel Gear
In 1913, James E. Gleason and Arthur Stewart design the Spiral Bevel Gear. The design increases the length of the gear tooth, resulting in smoother running gears, primarily used for vehicle axles.
Move to University Avenue
Continued expansion leads to the acquisition of the University Avenue site in 1904 and the opening of the new foundry in 1905. Employees gather to celebrate when the entire relocation is completed in 1911.
Shaping the Panama Canal
Gleason products help shape the Panama Canal in 1903 and the following years. The 20ft Gleason spur and internal gear planer is used to cut the gears inside of the canal’s locks and doors.
The Gleason Works is Born
In 1903, William Gleason dissolves both the Genesse Foundry Company and the Gleason Tool Company and incorporates The Gleason Works as a New York State Corporation. The bell residing in front of today's building, cast in 1847 was acquired in 1901 from Rochester Cotton Mill.
Pfauter Gear Hobbing
In 1900, Hermann Pfauter patents the gear hobbing process and founds Herman Pfauter KG to build gear hobbing machines. Even today, gear hobbing remains the most productive cutting method in cylindrical gear manufacturing. In 1997, Hermann Pfauter Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH will become part of Gleason Corporation.
Carl Hurth
1896 marks the founding of Carl Hurth Maschinen und Zahnradfabrik in Munich, Germany. In order to ensure the high quality of parts, Carl Hurth develops his first gear milling machine. In 1995, Carl Hurth Maschinen und Werkzeuge GmbH will become part of Gleason Corporation.
Automatic Bevel Gear Planer
In 1893, William and James E. Gleason invent the first Automatic Bevel Gear Planers with interchangeable templates.
Brothers in Gears
In 1892, Andrew C. Gleason joins his brother James as employee of the firm at Brown’s Race. His brother Andrew’s primary interest is in gear design and the manufacturing side of the business. He serves as Vice President until his retirement in 1934.
Driving Force for Growth
In 1882, James E. Gleason joins as employee of the firm at Brown’s Race. James’ outstanding ability and contributions in the design of improved types of bevel gear machines and manufacturing techniques, as well as building industrial relations are in large part responsible for the preeminent position enjoyed by the firm. In 1922, he becomes president of The Gleason Works.
Gleason Tool Company
In 1889, a fast moving blaze burns most of the neighbouring Genesee Foundry Company building. This event is an opportunity for Gleason to expand the company and shift its focus to gear production equipment. 1890, The Genesee Foundry and Kidd Iron Works merge into a new venture, the Gleason Tool Company.
First Lady of Gearing
In 1887, Kate Gleason, William’s oldest daughter, assumes the role of Chief Sales Representative for US and Europe, three years later she becomes Secretary/Treasurer of the Gleason Tool Company. She will become a driving force for the company’s success.
Venture into Machine Building
One year later, he acquires Kidd Iron Works. This move, along with various patents he has developed, allows William Gleason to transition into the business of gear machine building.
The Bevel Gear Planer
In 1874, William Gleason invents the first bevel gear planer, which marks the beginning of a new era: the industrial production of gears has begun. The design proves successful well into the 1940’s.
Humble Beginnings
William Gleason starts a one-room shop with a handful of employees in 1865 in Rochester, NY. Production includes tools for metalworking as well as turning and planing machines.