100 years ago, on November 17, 1920, George Nixon founded Nixon Broach and Tool Company with the intention of selling general machining and special tooling. By 1924, the company drifted into gear manufacturing and changed its name to Nixon Gear and Machine Company.
Today, on November 17, 2020, Nixon Gear celebrates 100 years in business, having grown into one of the premier precision gear manufacturing companies in the world.
Nixon Gear Though the Years
Nixon Gear has remained successful throughout our century-long history by continuing to grow and adapt through changing times. This has included several building expansions and relocations, shifts in business focus as industry needs evolved, and even changes in ownership.
In 1977, Nixon Gear was purchased by Gear Motions Inc. and now operates as a division of the corporation. In 2010, Gear Motions became a 100% Employee Owned Company, putting ownership in the hands of the employees and assuring that the company would remain viable for many years to come.
In 1992, Nixon Gear moved into its current location on Milton Avenue in Syracuse. The relocation allowed the company to improve its operations and efficiency while also allowing for additional investment in precision gear grinding.
Today, the company continues to invest in the future, adding industry leading robotic automation and super grinding capabilities with the purchase of new gear grinding equipment earlier this year.
The employee owners at Nixon Gear and Gear Motions will continue to grow and adapt into the next century as we strive to provide the highest quality products and service in precision manufacturing.
More on the History of Nixon Gear
Syracuse’s Gear Manufacturing History
Nixon Gear teamed up with Onondaga Historical Association to help celebrate our 100th Anniversary this year. OHA utilized their extensive resources to perform research on the amazing gear manufacturing history in Syracuse, NY, once known as “Gear City”, where Nixon Gear has operated for the past 100 years.
A series of articles appeared in local publications including The Post-Standard and Central New York Business Journal to highlight the history of the more notable gear manufacturers in Syracuse, culminating with Nixon Gear as we celebrate our centennial year.
Welcome to Syracuse, the Gear City
Nixon Gear’s 100th Anniversary Sheds Light on Syracuse’s Amazing Gear Manufacturing History
100 Year Celebration
To celebrate this major milestone, Nixon Gear had intended to host an on-site event in 2020. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those plans have been put on hold.
But we couldn’t let this milestone go completely unrecognized. The Employee Committee organized a small, socially distanced celebration for Nixon Gear’s employee owners. While we certainly wish we could be celebrating a bit differently, we are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the last 100 years of manufacturing at Nixon Gear, and look forward to the future and the next 100 years.
