In the early 1950’s, Herbert Link developed a technique for simultaneously machining both flutes of a center drill cutting tool. This launched Link’s involvement into the cutting tool industry and led to the establishment of Link Industries in Indian River. Located in northern Michigan, the building would serve as a machining facility to produce center drills and custom cutting tools, and it is still in operation today.
Fred Glock came from Delco, in Dayton, and was responsible for the facility in Indian River during its early years. It was here that Link developed the company’s first winding machine for electric motor stators. These systems soon led to the development of the stator lacer machine; cam-driven stitching systems used on electric motors. At one point, Link-built stator lacers accounted for 90% of the industry’s lacers, worldwide; and, through the management of Warren Brown, these units still significantly contribute to Link’s operations to this day.
In 1961, the company designed and manufactured its first inertia-type brake dynamometer for Kelsey Hayes. This dynamometer, followed by a few more over the next several years, provided Link the partnerships that it desperately needed with the local, thriving automotive manufacturers; partnerships that continue to be the cornerstone of Link’s operations today.