For decades, Hastings Manufacturing has been a trusted leader in the design and engineering of robust hot stamping and heat transfer equipment. Today, we are thrilled to announce our acquisition by Custom Machine Works (CMW), a premier provider of precision manufacturing solutions based in Fenton, Missouri.

This strategic integration marks a pivotal moment for our company and our customers. By combining our deep expertise in specialized product decorating equipment with CMW’s state-of-the-art CNC machining, turning, and fabrication capabilities, we are dramatically expanding what is possible for your production floor.

Supercharging Custom Automation and Integration

Modern manufacturing is rapidly shifting toward high-throughput, tightly integrated environments. Our acquisition by CMW directly addresses this industry demand by supercharging our Automation & Integration capabilities.

With in-house access to CMW’s advanced CNC multitasking, precision milling, and full-scale engineering teams, we can now design, build, and deploy complex automated workcells faster and with tighter tolerances than ever before. Whether you require a multi-head hot stamping system with robotic pick-and-place functionality or a fully customized assembly line, the combined engineering force of Hastings and CMW provides a true single-source solution.

Building automated machinery that adheres to strict international benchmarks—such as the ISO 9001 quality management standards for industrial manufacturing—requires total control over the fabrication process. With CMW’s in-house capabilities, we guarantee complete oversight and quality control from the first CAD drawing to the final factory acceptance test. This integration reduces lead times, mitigates supply chain risks, and ensures that your custom automated machinery meets the rigorous standards demanded by sectors like aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.

Elevating Our Core Equipment Lines

While our capacity for fully custom automated solutions is expanding, our commitment to our core equipment lines remains unwavering. The rugged reliability you expect from Hastings will only improve with CMW’s precision fabrication supporting our manufacturing processes.

• H Series: Our traditional hot stamping presses will benefit from enhanced component tolerances, ensuring even more consistent pressure distribution and repeatability for flawless foil transfers.
• HP Series: Our high-pressure systems—essential for deep draws and challenging rigid substrates—will utilize CMW’s advanced machining for reinforced structural integrity under extreme loads.
• P Series: For specialized plastics and peripheral decorating, our P Series machines can now be more rapidly customized with bespoke fixtures and tooling engineered directly by CMW.

As advanced polymers and complex composites become more prevalent on the assembly line, the need for precise, repeatable thermal transfer is critical. Industry resources like the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) consistently highlight the growing complexity of modern substrates and the need for precision processing. The combined engineering power of Hastings and CMW ensures our equipment stays ahead of these material science advancements.

What This Means for Your Production Floor

• Accelerated Lead Times: In-house machining and fabrication mean fewer supply chain bottlenecks and faster delivery of your equipment.
• Unmatched Customization: True design-and-build capabilities for bespoke automation that seamlessly integrates into your existing architecture.
• End-to-End Accountability: From initial consultation to post-installation support, you are working with a unified team dedicated to your operational success and maximizing your ROI.

Ready to Upgrade Your Decorating Capabilities?

The future of Hastings Manufacturing is here, and it is built on the robust, precision-driven foundation of Custom Machine Works. If you are looking to optimize cycle times, reduce scrap rates, and implement fully integrated hot stamping solutions, our team is ready to engineer a system tailored to your exact specifications.

Contact our team today to discuss your next custom automation project and request a custom quote.