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History

Northern Machine Works: We Have a Story To Tell!

Northern Machine Works was established by William Kopp, Sr. and E.H. Berry as a partnership in 1902. After some years of operation as a general machine shop, the company began to manufacture one- and two-color tag printing presses for distribution on a worldwide basis. These machines were used throughout the world by many leading tag manufacturers, and some of these original presses are still in use.

During the depression years of the 1930s, many printers still had a need for high-quality equipment, so they turned to suppliers like Northern for quality used and refurbished equipment. Northern was well-equipped to serve this need because of their extensive background in manufacturing and service to the trade in the Philadelphia area.

The onset of the Second World War saw Northern dedicate itself to the war effort by serving the United States Goverment in making submarine parts for the U.S. Navy. The experience the company gained while manufacturing for the war effort prepared Northern to satisfy the huge demand for equipment that followed the war.

In subsequent years, Northern Machine Works greatly increased its presence in the graphic arts industry on a worldwide basis. Shipments to the Far East, South America and Europe enabled Northern to grow, and in 1953 the business moved to a 40,000 square foot facility in the center of Philadelphia. The manufacturing of tag equipment was discontinued, and Northern became a major distributor of leading lines of new and used equipment.

Northern Machine Works Inc. is presently located at 2817 North Cedar Street in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. From their modern one-story building with machine shop facilities, Northern distributes many leading lines of new graphic arts equipment and continues to provide quality, used and reconditioned equipment from press to bindery.

With a long history of dedication to the industry, Northern continues to progress with the third and fourth generation of the founding family still proudly representing the company.