20 Years Strong: How Next Wave CNC Built SHARK Brand into America’s Top CNC
As Next Wave CNC in Perrysburg, Ohio, we’re not just celebrating a milestone—we’re honoring a tradition of relentless innovation, American ingenuity, and a family-driven commitment to quality that began in a garage and grew into an internationally recognized touchstone in the CNC world. This year marks our 20th Anniversary, a moment to reflect on how a small start-up with a big dream became known for building America’s #1 CNC, the SHARK —a name that many shop floors around the world trust for performance, reliability, and value. We’re proud to tell our story, share what drives us, and look ahead to the next two decades of fearless progress.
From a Garage Dream to a Global Brand In the early days, Next Wave CNC was a family affair. A few seasoned machinists, a garage workshop, and a shared belief: American-made tooling and machines could stand shoulder to shoulder with the best from anywhere, provided they were built with uncompromising rigor and a relentless eye for detail. We didn’t chase trends—we built standards. We asked ourselves: How can we design machines that are easier to use, more precise, and rock-solid in every condition? How can we ensure that every component is purpose-built to endure the daily grind of a modern shop floor?
These questions became our north star. Our team invested countless hours in prototyping, testing, and refining. We sourced the finest materials available, built in-house capabilities whenever possible, and forged supplier relationships rooted in mutual commitment to quality. The garage-born dream gradually matured into a line of CNC machines that could compete with—often surpass—the best in the world. And when customers asked for more, we listened, iterated, and delivered.
Relentless Innovation: The SHARK Difference What sets SHARK Brand apart isn’t a single breakthrough, but a culture of continuous improvement that touches every facet of our machines—from rigidity and accuracy to ease of maintenance and operator ergonomics. Here are core pillars that define who we are and why customers trust SHARK CNCs.
– Precision by Design: SHARK machines are engineered with tight GD&T tolerances, robust linear guidance, and stiff structures that minimize deflection during heavy cuts. We select components that perform consistently across temperature swings and long production runs.
– Rigorous Quality Standards: Our Quality Assurance program is a living system. Every machine undergoes multi-stage testing, including thermal cycling, spindle load tests, and real-world cycle simulations. Documentation accompanies each machine so users know exactly what they’re getting, how it was tested, and how to optimize operational life.
– American Ingenuity, Global Impact: While our roots are in Perrysburg, our reach is international. We design, manufacture, and assemble with care here in the United States. We collaborate with customers and partners worldwide to tailor solutions that meet diverse manufacturing needs—without sacrificing the core SHARK ethos.
– User-Centric Ergonomics: We build machines for people, not pixels. Intuitive interfaces, accessible maintenance points, and thoughtful enclosure design reduce downtime and boost productivity. We want operators to feel confident the moment they power up a SHARK.
– Service that Stands Behind the Machine: A rigorous post-sale support program ensures shops of every size maximize uptime. Our team provides comprehensive onboarding, ongoing optimization tips, and rapid parts availability—so you can stay focused on making parts, not debugging machines.
– Stewardship of Craft: Our people are the difference. From the shop floor to the engineering desk, our team approaches every challenge with pride, accountability, and the belief that doing right by the customer is non-negotiable.
A Family Company, A Global Reputation The story of Next Wave CNC is, at its heart, a family story. We’re a family of machinists, engineers, technicians, and sales professionals who care about every detail—not just for the bottom line, but for the craftspeople who rely on us to turn ideas into finished parts. That ethos translates into a durable machine platform that stands up to the most demanding jobs: aerospace-grade aluminum work, automotive components, medical device housings, and everything in between.
Over the years, the SHARK Brand CNC has earned its place on shop floors around the globe. Customers often tell us that our machines “feel American”—not because of our flag-waving, but because of the straightforward grit, reliability, and clarity of purpose that define our approach. In a world of rapid techno-flash and ephemeral gimmicks, SHARK remains a touchstone of consistent performance and lasting value.
Quality that Withstands Time We know that in manufacturing, time is money. Our approach to quality is designed to protect both. That means:
– Durable mechanicals: Heavily ribbed frames, precision-ground ways, and robust drive systems that resist wear.
– Accurate spindle performance: High-torque, low-vibration spindles that maintain accuracy across long cycles.
– Stable control architecture: Software and hardware harmonized to reduce bottlenecks and ensure smooth, predictable operations.
– Long-term maintainability: Accessible components, modular design, and precise service guidance so your investment remains stable for years.
The 20th Anniversary: A Look Ahead Turning 20 doesn’t just mean looking back; it means doubling down on the promises that got us here. We’re investing in:
– Expanded product breadth: More SHARK models to fit a wider range of materials, production scales, and budgets.
– Enhanced aftercare: Expanded training, remote diagnostics, and quicker parts access so customers stay productive.
– Sustainable practice: Responsible sourcing, energy-conscious manufacturing, and ongoing efforts to minimize our environmental footprint.
– Global partnerships: Strengthened channels and localized support in key regions to bring the SHARK experience closer to every customer.
To Our Partners and Customers If you’ve been part of the SHARK journey, thank you. Your trust, feedback, and daily use of our machines are the reasons we push past limits. If you’re new to SHARK, we invite you to experience the difference that decades of American ingenuity, rigorous quality standards, and a family-led approach can bring to your shop.
Conclusion: Built in a Garage, Trusted on Every Continent Next Wave CNC started with a simple belief: that American-made machinery could set the standard for the world. Two decades later, SHARK Brand CNC has proven that belief true. We are honored to be a staple on shops across the United States and around the world, known for relentless innovation, unwavering quality, and the enduring spirit of a family business that never stops improving.
Here’s to the next 20 years of pushing the boundaries, honoring American ingenuity, and delivering CNC machines that enable precision, productivity, and pride on every shop floor.
If you’d like to learn more about our 20th anniversary celebrations, upcoming SHARK models, or how our rigorous quality process can benefit your operation, reach out to our Perrysburg team or visit our website www.nextwavecnc.com. Let’s build the future of American manufacturing together.