Q: How would you describe your company’s primary business?
A: Darex is a 4th-generation family owned company in Ashland, Oregon. For over 40 years we have been creating industry-leading sharpening tools here in the USA.

Q: In brief, what is the history of your company?
A: Darex began in 1973 in Beecher, Illinois. The D, A and R of DAREX are the initials of three generations of the Bernard family; David, Arthur and Richard Bernard. David and his father Richard founded Darex. Grandfather Arthur Bernard, who earlier founded the Bernard Welding Company, contributed his energy and guidance to Darex.

In 1978, Darex relocated to Ashland, Oregon where we are located today. In 2012, Matthew Bernard became the fourth-generation family owner of the company.

Q: How has Darex changed through the years?
A: Innovation. We have gone from all manual machines that required tooling to now having a fully automated 4 axis CNC Drill Sharpener.

Q: What are your thoughts on Industry 4.0, or the fourth Industrial Revolution?
A: The combination of technologies and velocity at which they are transforming how people work and live is fascinating. It is an interesting time to be part of and we plan to keep our focus on what our customers’ needs and wants are while empowering our coworkers to continue to innovate.

Q: What difficulties have you faced in the American market this past year?
A: This past year the American market has been good. The economy seems to be up and our industry seems to be spending money again. It has been a lot of fun to see excitement and urgency in manufacturing again.

Q: What successes has your company had since last year?
A: We are on pace to grow this year compared to last year. Anytime we can grow in a non-IMTS year we are doing something right.

Q: What do you want to see in the future for the industry?
A: Steady growth and Innovation. A focus on technology as well as superior products and customer focus.