Davenport Machine and RIT Announce New Collaboration in Manufacturing

Donation of state-of-the-art equipment will spur development of new technologies and training techniques.

Davenport Machine a division of the Brinkman International Group and a world leader in small parts manufacturing, will announce a new collaboration with Rochester Institute of Technology and the Kate Gleason College of Engineering during a press conference Thursday at the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies on campus.

Davenport has donated equipment worth over $200,000 for use in research and development at the Earl W. Brinkman Machine Tool Lab located at RIT. The Brinkman Lab, in the department of industrial and systems engineering, focuses on state-of-the-art education and training in machine tools and works to develop new techniques, using the latest technology, to increase the competitiveness, efficiency and environmental quality of manufacturing systems.

“Through our long association with RIT we have been able to access state of the art research and innovation that has assisted us in remaining competitive in the global manufacturing marketplace,” said Robert Brinkman, chief executive officer of Brinkman International which owns Davenport. “Through this new collaboration we hope to continue to develop the latest techniques in the field, while also assisting in training America’s next generation of engineers.”

“I am very pleased to see this collaboration with one of our region’s leading manufacturers and employers,” added Nabil Nasr, Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies director and the Earl W. Brinkman Professor. “Our work with Davenport has assisted our efforts in providing state-of-the-art research and training to industry and this new partnership will only enhance the work of the Brinkman Lab and RIT.” The Davenport equipment, including a Davenport HP Five Spindle Automatic Screw Machine, will be used in the Brinkman Lab’s ongoing research in machine tools and its work with its industry partners to improve product manufacturing. RIT students and faculty will also utilize the technology through classroom experiences, coop assignments and graduate and undergraduate research projects.

“We are very appreciative of the Brinkman Family’s continued support that allows our students access to state-of-the-art equipment”, adds Jacqueline Mozrall, department head and associate professor, industrial and systems engineering.

The Brinkman Laboratory was founded in 1996 in honor of Earl W. Brinkman, a giant in the small parts industry, longtime CEO of Davenport Machine and generous friend of RIT. The Brinkman family and Brinkman International have contributed greatly to RIT’s engineering programs including creating the original endowment for the Brinkman Lab and Professorship.

Davenport Machine Tool Company, Inc. was founded in 1894 and developed the Automatic Screw Machine which revolutionized the small parts manufacturing industry. The Brinkman International Group, owned by Earl Brinkman’s son Robert, purchased the assets of Davenport Machine in 2003. Since that time, Davenport has nearly quadrupled its local workforce and further expanded its operations nationally and internationally.

“In recent years Davenport has made major strides in utilizing new techniques and engineering methods to increase our market share and remain a leader in the high volume production of turned parts ,” added Robert Brinkman. “Thanks to our continued work with RIT we will continue to promote and enhance the innovation that has been a hallmark of the company throughout our long history.”

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