The Legacy of Dayton Lamina
Dayton Lamina’s history is not just a timeline of company mergers—it is a story of innovation, expertise, and a relentless drive to push manufacturing forward. The foundation of Dayton Lamina was forged through the unification of four industry leaders, each bringing its own legacy, craftsmanship, and technological advancements.
A Story of Innovation and Evolution
Lempco: The First Chapter (1918)
The journey begins in 1918 with the birth of Lake Erie Metal Products Company, later known as Lempco—the eldest member of the Dayton Lamina family. As an internationally recognized manufacturer of die set guidance systems, Lempco’s innovations laid the groundwork for precision in major industries such as automotive, electronics, appliance manufacturing, and beyond. Among its most notable contributions was the Rotainer®, a precision-designed ball cage that minimized tracking, setting a new standard in the field.
Danly: The Power of Standardization (1923)
Just five years later, in 1923, Danly entered the industry and revolutionized manufacturing with its standardized guide post die set. Danly pioneered the concept of interchangeability, allowing die designers to work with absolute certainty that their components would fit seamlessly within the specified die sets. This breakthrough reshaped die and mold making, ensuring greater efficiency and precision. Today, Danly/IEM continues to set the industry standard with a robust product line including guide posts, bushings, die springs, wear plates, and cams.
Lamina: From Die Making to Hydraulic Power (1938)
The next chapter unfolded in 1938 with the creation of Lamina, initially a lamination die manufacturer. Over time, Lamina evolved beyond its roots to focus exclusively on die and mold components, offering precision-machined guide posts, bushings, and wear plates. However, what truly set Lamina apart was its expansion into hydraulic motors and die-setting equipment, providing critical support for die maintenance and efficiency.
Dayton Progress: The Precision Punch Pioneer (1946)
The youngest of the four, Dayton Progress, was founded in 1946 as the Dayton Die Insert Company. Within its first decade, Dayton introduced two industry-defining innovations: a standardized punch catalog and the Firm Delivery Schedule—a system that brought “Just-In-Time” delivery to the punch industry. This forward-thinking approach transformed the way manufacturers sourced and received precision components, ensuring reliability and speed. Today, Dayton Progress continues to lead the punch and die market, offering comprehensive technical guidance and in-depth training for diemakers.
The Birth of Dayton Lamina (2012-Present)
A major turning point in this story came on October 17, 2012, when MISUMI, a global leader in component manufacturing, acquired both Dayton Progress and Anchor Lamina. MISUMI recognized the shared commitment to Quality (Q), Cost Efficiency (C), and Timely Delivery (T)—a perfect alignment with its QCT model.
This acquisition paved the way for a new era. On February 9, 2014, Dayton Progress and Anchor Lamina merged, giving rise to Dayton Lamina—a name that now represents the strength of four industrial pioneers unified under one global brand.
Today, as a MISUMI Group Company, Dayton Lamina has expanded its reach beyond die and mold components to include Press Die, Plastic Mold, and Automation Components.
A Legacy of Trust & Innovation
Dayton Lamina isn’t just a manufacturer—it’s a trusted partner in the stamping and die industry, offering global support across every time zone. With a diverse portfolio, cutting-edge supply chain solutions, and a deep-rooted history of innovation, Dayton Lamina stands ready to meet the future demands of manufacturing.
From a small metal products company in 1918 to a global powerhouse in precision components, the Dayton Lamina story is one of progress, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
