Why Hurco

In the 1960s, computers were massive, expensive machines owned only by universities and government agencies. But Gerald Roch had a vision: what if we could use computer technology to simplify the setup of machine tools for the everyday working man?

Edward Humston

Gerald Roch

Our Founders

In 1968, Gerald Roch and Edward Humston formed a partnership they called Hurco ("Hu" for Humston, "R" for Roch, and "CO" for Company). Humston provided the business acumen, while Roch, an industrial engineer who grew up in his grandfather’s tool and die shop, provided the inventive spark. Together, they set out to make manufacturing smarter.

Gerald Roch

The Father of Conversational Programming

Gerald V. Roch (1931–2020) was the epitome of a true innovator. Driven by a fascination with efficiency and a desire to solve complex problems, he acquired more than 60 patents during his lifetime. His most significant contribution was the invention of interactive control technology—what the industry now knows as Conversational Programming. It was so revolutionary that machine tool builders worldwide had to obtain licenses from Hurco to implement it. Despite his massive success, Mr. Roch remained famously humble:

"I've never really been an expert in any one area... but I've been fortunate enough that I conceptually understand how things should work. Then, it's a matter of hiring capable engineers to make it happen."

— Gerald V. Roch

The Beginning

1968

Hurco is founded by Edward Humston and Gerald Roch.

The AutoBend

1969

Hurco exhibits the first computer-controlled back gauge at the Indianapolis Coliseum.

Hurco becomes publicly held company

1971

Nasdaq: HURC

Conversational Programming

1976

Hurco invents and patents Conversational Programming, changing the industry forever.

First CNC mill Introduced

1978

The Hurco KM1

Hurco Europe established

1979

Headquartered in the UK

UltiMax Control

1984

The revolutionary twin-screen UltiMax control is introduced.

BMC machining centers introduced

1986

Featuring the Hurco BMC30HT

UltiMax 2 control introduced

1987

Enhanced conversational control designed to simplify programming directly at the machine.

Hurco Germany established

1988

Hurco expanded its European presence with the establishment of Hurco Germany to support regional growth.

Global Expansion and UltiMax 3

1991

Hurco expanded into France and Southeast Asia, opened its international headquarters in Indianapolis, and introduced the UltiMax 3 control.

DXF Transfer invented

1992

Hurco introduced DXF file transfer, enabling direct import of part geometry into the control for faster programming.

IMS Technologies Established

1995

Hurco formed IMS Technologies to manage and license its patented innovations.

MAX Single-Screen Control Introduced

1996

Hurco introduced the MAX control, consolidating functions into a single-screen interface for more efficient operation.

VMX Machining Centers Introduced

1997

Hurco launched the VMX series, bringing faster performance and improved rigidity to vertical machining.

UltiMax 4 Control Introduced

1998

Hurco introduced UltiMax 4, expanding conversational capabilities and control performance.

Expansion in Italy and Manufacturing

1999

Hurco established operations in Italy and formed Hurco Manufacturing Ltd to support global production.

WinMax Desktop Software Released

2000

Hurco introduced WinMax Desktop, allowing users to program parts offline using the same conversational interface as the control.

VM Series and First 5-Axis Machine

2003

Hurco introduced the VM series and launched its first 5-axis machining center.

TM Turning Centers Introduced

2004

Hurco introduced the TM series, expanding its lineup into CNC turning solutions.

WinMax Launch and Product Expansion

2006

Hurco released WinMax control software, introduced new turning and 5-axis machines, and achieved record sales.

Expansion in India and New Product Lines

2008

Hurco established operations in India and introduced new turning, 5-axis, and double column machines.

UltiMotion and Global Growth

2010

Hurco expanded its turning lineup, introduced UltiMotion technology, and established operations in China.

Rebrand and “i” Series Launch

2012

Hurco launched a global rebrand and introduced the new “i” series machines, including high-speed and 5-axis models.

Acquisition and U.S. Assembly

2013

Hurco acquired LCM and established its U.S. machine assembly operations.

HBMXi Boring Mills Introduced

2014

Hurco introduced the HBMXi series, expanding into large-scale boring mill applications.

MAX5 Control and Strategic Acquisitions

2015

Hurco introduced the MAX5 control powered by WinMax and acquired Milltronics and Takumi.

Record Sales and New Technologies

2016

Hurco achieved record sales and introduced new machining centers along with a 3D print head at IMTS.

HM Series and Continued Growth

2017

Hurco introduced HM horizontal machining centers and achieved record sales.

50th Anniversary

2018

Hurco celebrates 50 years of advancing the manufacturing industry and rings the Nasdaq closing bell.

Acquisition of ProCobots

2019

Hurco acquired ProCobots to expand its automation capabilities.

VC/VCX 5-Axis and VM ONE Return

2021

Hurco introduced VC and VCX 5-axis machines and reintroduced the VM ONE.

AI and MAX6 Control Preview at IMTS

2024

Hurco previewed its next-generation MAX6 control and showcased AI-driven tools like ChatCNC at IMTS.

We Continue To Honor Our Founders' Vision.

From advanced 5-Axis machines to accessible job shop automation, our focus remains on the people running the machines. We build the iron and write the software so you can build the future.

Explore Our CNC Machines See the WinMax Control in Action

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Over 50 Years of Machining Innovation.