Chips, cheers and 50 years: C.R. Onsrud announces 2026 Factory Demo Day

Published on February 12, 2026 Time: loading...

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the smell of fresh sawdust meets the high-tech hum of a precision spindle. It’s the sound of American manufacturing in motion. On March 25, 2026, that energy will be on full display in Troutman, North Carolina, as C.R. Onsrud opens its factory doors for its annual Demo Day—an event that feels less like a corporate open house and more like a family reunion for the woodworking and machining world.

This year’s event, running from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM at 117 Technology Drive, carries a special weight. While Demo Day is a staple for the company, 2026 marks exactly half a century since C.R. Onsrud first opened its doors.

A Mini-Tradeshow in the Heart of NC

For those who have visited the Troutman campus before, the scale of this year’s event might come as a surprise. Following a massive 83,000-square-foot expansion last year, the company has leaned into its role as a central hub for the industry.

“Adding the 83,000-square-foot expansion last year has really helped the event grow,” said Jeff Onsrud, Director of Sales & Business Development. “We are very excited to welcome more manufacturers, bring in more vendors, and expand our offerings.”

Indeed, the “offerings” go far beyond just watching machines move. The factory floor will transform into what Thomas Tuck, Sr. Manager of Regional Sales and Marketing Initiatives, describes as a “mini-tradeshow.” Attendees can walk the floor to meet with vendors specializing in CAD/CAM software, automation, specialized tooling, and vacuum systems.

“Essentially this is a mini-tradeshow. Anything and everything related to the CNC world will be at C.R. Onsrud. It’s a great way to learn something new, even if you have owned a CNC router for decades,” Tuck noted.

From Pin Routers to 5-Axis Giants

The 50th-anniversary milestone offers a rare moment to reflect on the evolution of the craft. Today, C.R. Onsrud is a titan of 3- and 5-axis CNC technology, but the company’s DNA is rooted in much humbler beginnings.

“Looking at the size of the campus and our machines, it’s hard to believe that fifty years ago this all started with the invention of a small pin router,” Jeff Onsrud reflected.

While the company pivoted toward CNC dominance in the 1990s, they haven’t forgotten where they came from. In a move that will surely delight woodworking purists, the original Inverted Router® will be demoed live. Perhaps even more impressive is the “guest of honor” on the floor: the very first CNC machine Onsrud ever sold—a twin-table C-Series that is still fully operational after 30 years of service.

Looking Ahead

While the nostalgia is high, the focus remains firmly on the future of the shop floor. Between educational seminars and live machine demos, the day is designed to help manufacturers solve modern problems—whether that’s labor shortages, material yield, or throughput speed.

“While our focus will be on the latest CNC technologies and modern manufacturing best practices, it’s nice on our 50th anniversary to give a nod to the past,” said Onsrud.

Event Details

The event is free to attend, providing a rare “under the hood” look at one of the USA’s premier machinery manufacturers. However, due to the expected turnout for the golden anniversary, advance registration is required.

Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 117 Technology Drive, Troutman, NC