KBC Tools & Machinery Marks 60 Years of Powering North American Manufacturing!

KBC Tools & Machinery is celebrating a remarkable milestone in 2025—60 years of serving and supporting the North American metalworking and manufacturing community. What began in 1965 as Kabaco Tools, founded by Karel Bass in a modest 1,000-square-foot warehouse on Detroit’s 8 Mile Road, has evolved into one of the continent’s most trusted industrial tooling and machinery suppliers. Bass started the company with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide the best tooling at the best prices. Six decades later, that mission remains at the heart of KBC’s operations.

From its humble beginnings, the company has grown into a major force in the industry, now supplying customers across North America through six branches in the United States and Canada. Its catalog has expanded to over 100,000 industrial SKUs sourced from more than 600 world-class manufacturers. KBC proudly states that even after 60 years, it continues “keeping North America working one tool at a time,” a testament to its resilience, passion, and consistent evolution.

To commemorate its six-decade journey, KBC Tools & Machinery compiled a fascinating list of “fun facts” that highlight how dramatically the world of metalworking has transformed between 1965 and 2025. These comparisons paint a vivid picture of an industry that has shifted from manual craftsmanship and basic technologies to high-speed automation, digitalization, and unprecedented precision. In 1965, the Bridgeport milling machine was the heartbeat of the shop floor; today, CNC machines run around the clock with minimal intervention, yet the charm of manual machines remains cherished.

The industry’s workforce has also changed significantly. What was once a male-dominated field is now supported by a more diverse talent pool, with women representing more than 30% of the sector—an evolution aligned with KBC’s identity as a women-owned business. Precision, too, has reached new heights: tolerances that were once considered exceptional have now become routine thanks to advancements in machining technology, materials, and digital measurement systems.

KBC’s fun facts also highlight major shifts in tooling materials, speed of manufacturing, workplace safety, environmental responsibility, and the rise of Industry 4.0. From the era of handwritten log books and minimal safety gear to today’s real-time data analytics, VR-based training systems, and eco-friendly lubricants, the transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. Modern machinists now operate in smart factories equipped with IoT-connected devices, digital twins, advanced composites, and fully automated inspection systems.

Throughout these decades of change, KBC Tools & Machinery has consistently evolved its product offerings to meet the needs of both traditional and modern machine shops. Whether it’s HSS drill bits, carbide tools, manual machines, CNC equipment, or MRO essentials, KBC continues to serve as a reliable partner for manufacturers across North America.

As part of its 60-year celebration, KBC is inviting customers to reflect on their own journeys. How much has your shop transformed over the past 10, 20, 30, or even 60 years? What innovations have shaped your growth? KBC wants to hear your story as the industry collectively celebrates progress, resilience, and the shared passion for making things better, faster, and smarter.