MAC Celebrates 60 Years

April 02, 2025

From Garage Startup to Global Leader in Lead Battery Manufacturing Equipment

In 1965, engineers Charles McAlpine “Mac” and Ken McGowan had a groundbreaking idea—to automate the cast-on strap process. They built their first machine in Ken’s garage, marking the birth of MAC Engineering & Equipment. Their innovation quickly attracted the attention of Prestolite Corporation (now Stryten), which invested in MAC, leading to the rapid production of 30 machines. Soon after, Charles and Ken became sole owners, expanding their team by 28 employees and setting the stage for decades of continuous growth.

Expansion and Relocation

After 14 years of success, MAC outgrew its original facility and moved to its current location in Benton Harbor, MI. The area, known for its highly skilled manufacturing workforce, provided the ideal environment for MAC’s ongoing development and expansion.

Beyond Pasters: A Full Line of Battery Manufacturing Equipment

MAC established itself as a leading producer of custom designed machines, particularly known for many years for the pasters, but has evolved to offer a comprehensive line of battery manufacturing machinery. The machine portfolio now includes complete auto plate-making equipment, curing chambers, cast-on-strap machines, auto and industrial assembly equipment, support for Tiegel and Hardigg equipment, along with making industrial machinery for other industries. With the integration of robotics and automation, MAC continues to keep growing its contributions to the industry by meeting the ever-changing needs of its customers.

Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions

MAC has expanded its capabilities through key partnerships and acquisitions:

1979: Equipment from Ball Metal and Jersey Box was incorporated into MAC’s lineup.
1980: MAC acquired Dale Products’ ultrasonic sealed plate wrapper (enveloper) technology and Dynacast.
1996: Equipment from JBI was added into MAC’s lineup
2003: Entered a license agreement with Sovema to manufacture Plate Curing Chambers and Formation Water Baths, exclusively supporting customers in North and South America.
2010: Partnered with Richardson Molding (Roger Winslow) to produce and enhance Hardigg Industrial Heat Sealers.
2020: Entered into an agreement with Ralph Tiegel to manufacture, support, and supply spare parts globally for Tiegel Manufacturing equipment, including Dry Charge equipment, Group Burning Boxes, Battery Assembly Lines, and Casting Machines.

Enhancing Customer Support

MAC continuously listens to customer needs. U.S. battery manufacturers faced challenges sourcing spare parts from overseas suppliers, leading to delays in equipment maintenance. In response, MAC partnered with InBatec (now Kustan) and CMW TEC to stock spare parts in Benton Harbor, MI, ensuring timely delivery and minimizing downtime for U.S. customers.

Looking to the Future

With over 5,100 machines deployed worldwide, MAC remains dedicated to innovation, quality, and customer success. The company is actively developing proprietary equipment for battery startups using new technologies to maintain its industry leadership.

MAC is also a proud Sustaining Sponsor of WGBI (Women in the Global Battery Industry). In 2024, the company joined forces with Kustan, CMW TEC, Sorfin Yoshimura, and Digatron Power Electronics to form ESEMA (Energy Storage Equipment Manufacturers Alliance), further strengthening its commitment to the energy storage industry.

With a legacy of engineering excellence and an eye toward the future, MAC Engineering & Equipment continues to power the global lead battery industry.

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