Since 1960

FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS,

Collins Machine Works has solved the largest and most complex industrial machining and fabrication challenges for clients around the globe. Our ceaseless commitment to quality, coupled with talent and innovative technology, positions us to deliver the best product and service to each and every customer. Whether on-site or in-shop, Collins Machine Works will do the job right, every time, just as we’ve done since 1960.

1960s

Collins Machine Works is founded in 1960 by Bryant Collins Sr. as a general machine shop focusing on railroads, shipyards and paper mills. Later in the decade, the company adds a fabrication shop and a large machining bay.

1960’s | CMW Employee Machining a Railroad Wheel

1970s

Collins continues to expand with machining and fabrication serving power plants and the chemical industry.

1970’s | Turning a power plant steam turbine rotor

1980s

Collins expands into government contracting, manufacturing parts for NASA and naval shipyards. Later in the decade, Bryant Collins Jr. takes over as president, leading the company’s first foray into infrastructure repairs at the Hampton Roads downtown tunnel and High Rise Bridge. By the end of the decade, Collins makes an early investment in CNC machinery.

1980’s | CMW Personnel Operating early CNC equipment

1990s

The 1990s ushers in new ownership at Collins following the passing of company founder Bryant Collins Sr. Robert Twine purchases the company from the Collins family and becomes president, as the company begins work to salvage the propeller of the Civil War ironclad ship Monitor.

1990’s | Boring taper in a Small Surface Craft propeller

2000s

A new period of growth comes with a shift of focus to defense contracting, power generation and municipalities. The company wins its first Aircraft Carrier shafting repair contract and begins operations in Charleston, South Carolina. Collins becomes certified for weld repairs on naval main propulsion shafting and is awarded its first new construction submarine shaft contract for Virginia-Class vessels. The company develops an electroslag welding process for submarine shafting.

2000’s | Stress Relieving USNS Mount Baker Rudderstock

2010s

Collins celebrates its 50th year in business in 2010 and becomes a shareholder in CMMC Machine in Charleston. The decade sees Collins successfully complete the first vertical fit test of a CVN propeller to propulsion shaft, construct prototype shafting for an Ohio-Class replacement vessel, and become NAVSEA-certified for marine shafting repair. Collins acquires full ownership of CMMC Machine and opens its new corporate headquarters in Portsmouth, Virginia.

2010 | Welding of a Shaft Seal Sleeve

2020s

With 60+ years in business, the company celebrates the award of all of Block V shafting for VCS construction – the largest order in its history. Collins is also contracted to build the first Columbia-Class shafting

2020 | Charleston, SC Shafting Facility