**Magmotor: Staying Relevant Through Specialization and Service in the World of Motors**
Magmotor Technologies Inc., originally founded in 1876 under the name Kendrick and Davis (K&D), has quietly spent over a century manufacturing custom AC and DC fan motors. After Herbert Peterson bought the business in its 102nd year, renamed it Magmotor, and relocated it to Worcester, Massachusetts, the company has continued its legacy into its sesquicentennial year. With plans for major expansion that could triple both its income and workforce, Magmotor is poised for significant growth while maintaining its core values.
The company’s leadership, including long-standing figures like production manager Jamie Willigar (21 years) and senior mechanical design engineer Scott Cerra (nearing 20 years), emphasizes the importance of experience. Many of Magmotor’s customers in aerospace, defense, and high-tech industries share this longevity, with some products lasting 15 to 20 years without issues. According to the company, its success stems from high-quality designs, a commitment to customer service, and adaptability to changing markets.
### Magmotor specializes in brush motors
One of Magmotor’s defining characteristics is its continued specialization in brush motors, even as many competitors have shifted to brushless alternatives. According to Cerra, legacy systems still rely on brush motors due to their exceptional dependability, making them a preferred choice for critical applications like those in the space industry overseen by NASA.
The bulk of Magmotor’s work involves customized, non-standard designs tailored to specific client needs. “We still do the final assembly in-house and would like to bring at least some manufacturing back to the States, at least on a smaller scale to support U.S. sales,” Cerra acknowledged, noting the challenges of overhead and logistics.
Magmotor’s brushed motors—with two- and four-pole options—have been used in NASA Rovers, BattleBots, and even robots that clean ship hulls. The reliability and precision of these motors make them ideal for demanding environments, including elevators, diving equipment, electric lawnmowers, and GPS-guided machinery.
### A collaborative rather than competitive market
Interestingly, Magmotor views other motor manufacturers not as competitors, but as collaborators serving different niches. “The motor industry is large, and it should be conducive to our working together,” Willigar noted. “After all, motors are used everywhere—and robotics is opening up an entirely new field for the motor industry.”
This philosophy extends to their customer relationships. Whether working with a small startup or a large corporation, Magmotor treats each project with equal attention. They recently partnered with a husband-and-wife team in the UK, applying the same dedication to quality and service as they would for industrial clients.
### Considering a return to AC motors
While Magmotor has built its reputation on DC brush motors, the company is exploring a return to AC motor manufacturing and an expansion into brushless designs. “At Magmotor, it is really not just about modernization or pushing the newest technology,” Cerra said. “For us, it is more about being present and truly supporting the customers’ needs for the long term.”
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: What types of motors does Magmotor specialize in?**
A: Magmotor specializes in custom brush motors, though they are exploring a return to AC motor manufacturing.
**Q: What industries use Magmotor’s products?**
A: Magmotor serves aerospace, defense, high-tech, robotics, elevator, diving, and medical equipment industries, among others.
**Q: Are Magmotor’s motors customizable?**
A: Yes, Magmotor focuses on custom, non-standard motor designs tailored to specific client applications.
**Q: Where does Magmotor manufacture its motors?**
A: Final assembly is done in-house in the U.S., though much of the production work has historically been done through trusted Chinese partners to maintain quality and cost efficiency.
**Q: Does Magmotor work with small businesses?**
A: Yes, the company works with firms of all sizes—from small startups to large corporations—and treats each relationship equally.
### Conclusion
Magmotor Technologies represents the enduring value of specialization, long-term customer relationships, and adaptability. From its roots in 1876 to its ambitious plans for the future, the company continues to evolve without losing sight of the foundational principles that built its success. As it looks to strengthen U.S. partnerships and expand its product offerings, Magmotor remains committed to supporting its clients with reliable, high-performance motor solutions—proving that, in a rapidly changing world, some values remain timeless.
