CNC Software, Inc. is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2008. Two brothers, Mark and Jack Summers incorporated the company in 1983 with a new programming concept for CNC machine tools. They developed a PC-based CAD/CAM software package with an emphasis on the CAM side. During that time, most of the programs were more CAD-oriented.

Mark Summers, Company President said: 'Our software was developed with the machinist and the design engineer in mind. I was a machinist, and I will always be a machinist at heart. It's a direct approach – design the parts and generate the toolpaths to machine them.'

They initially called the software program Meghan, named after Mark Summer's eldest daughter, and then changed it within the first year to Mastercam as a clearer descriptive of the software's primary function. A third brother, Brian Summers, soon joined the company and now serves as Company Vice President. Jamie Summers, Mark’s wife, is Chief Financial Officer.

The company's first customer was Connecticut Tool in Putnam, Connecticut. 'We are honoured to have been the first shop to use Mastercam and continue to value the relationship with CNC Software today,' says Steve Durand, Company President. 'CNC Software has consistently provided a superior product in Mastercam with excellent service. Mastercam has allowed us to stay on the cutting edge of CAM technology. We look forward to continuing our loyal relationship with the company for many years to come. Congratulations on your 25th anniversary.'

By the end of 2007, the company had installed 135,824 seats of Mastercam®. The company continually uses its success to reinvest in itself with new Mastercam generations. X2 is the latest version of Mastercam which features improved ease of use, its infrastructure of more than 400 dealers worldwide, and its green facility. In 2007, the company reported record sales of $29.4 million.

Shortly after CNC Software started in Massachusetts, the company moved its base of operations to an office in Vernon, Connecticut. After a brief move to an industrial park, the company built corporate headquarters in Tolland, Connecticut. When it outgrew that space, the Summers established the company’s corporate headquarters and training facility in a new, 38,000sq. ft. building in the same town. The building was thoughtfully designed and built for aesthetics, functionality, and environmental friendliness. In 2007, ground broke for a 12,000sq. ft. addition to house a fully functioning machine shop with advanced equipment for Mastercam product research and development.

'I've had a passion for doing whatever I can to minimize environmental impact for as long as I can remember,' said Summers. 'We review everything, from the kinds of organic fertilizers we apply to our grounds to the kinds of recycled paper we use to our geothermal heating system. Virtually everything here has been chosen consciously with the environment in mind.'

The first version of Mastercam was a two-dimensional CAM program. Now, Mastercam offers solutions for designers and programmers involved in multiaxis milling, turning, wire EDM (Electrical-Discharge-Machining), wood router programming, plasma and laser cutting, and three-dimensional design and drafting. CNC Software's customers range from one-person job shops to Fortune 100 manufacturers. Mastercam is also ubiquitous in high schools, vocational/technical schools, colleges, and universities. The company's educational division operates out of Gig Harbor, Washington.

'Certainly one of our biggest reasons for our success is our exemplary and loyal global dealer network – all of those congenial experts who sell and support Mastercam,' states Summers. 'Some of these people, really friends now, have been with us since the very beginning. They have helped shops grow and enjoy a true collaboration with our customers, offering advice, training, and applications experience to Mastercam users around the world.'

www.mastercam.com