A Note on the Passing of John T. Parsons

On April 19, 2007 the manufacturing world lost a great man, John T. Parsons of Traverse City, Michigan.

Mr. Parsons filed over 20 patents in his lifetime but is best remembered for the 1948 Numerical Control patent that founded the multi-billion CNC machine tool industry. In 1998 the Society of Manufacturing Engineers honored him after 50 years of contribution.

At the 1998 IMTS show, hosted by MDSI of Ann Arbor Michigan, we were introduced.  Mr. Parsons agreed to join the Memex Board of Advisors and helped with the strategic direction and support of our vision of the future.  We mourn the passing of a great man who has a carved his name in the history of manufacturing and honour the inspiration he was to many, including our company.