MAC Engineering & Equipment is a global manufacturer specializing in high-quality machinery for the manufacturing of lead-acid batteries. Established in 1965 and headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the company has over six decades of experience, with a presence in more than 80 countries and over 5,000 machines installed worldwide. MAC focuses exclusively on designing and supplying advanced equipment that supports critical stages of lead-acid battery manufacturing and assembly. This includes machinery for processes such as pasting, curing, stacking, cast-on strap connections, assembly, acid filling, leak testing, and heat sealing.
The company operates to help battery manufacturers enhance process efficiency, product quality, worker safety, and environmental sustainability while scaling up production. MAC’s equipment is used across various battery formats and sizes, including automotive, motorcycle, industrial, and heavy-duty applications. All MAC Engineering equipment is manufactured in the USA.
Battery Technology
MAC Engineering & Equipment provides machinery tailored for two key lead-acid battery technologies: flat plate and tubular plate designs. Flat plate lead-acid batteries, commonly found in automotive starter applications, benefit from MAC’s equipment designed for efficient heat dissipation and straightforward construction. For tubular plate lead-acid batteries, which are used in heavy-duty applications like renewable energy storage and backup power, MAC offers machinery that supports their complex positive plate structures and demanding charge/discharge cycles.
The company’s comprehensive product portfolio covers nearly every stage of lead-acid battery assembly. This includes pasting machines, flash dry ovens, and curing chambers for electrode preparation. High-speed stackers and plate handling equipment ensure automated stacking. Cast-on Strap (COS) systems, such as in-line, rotary, compression, manual, and automated machines, join battery plates with lead straps. Additionally, MAC provides automated machinery for assembly, acid filling, leak testing, and heat sealing, along with custom and automated solutions integrating robotics for increased throughput and improved safety.
Recent Projects
In 2025, MAC Engineering & Equipment launched its DynaMAC COS machine. This rotary Cast-on Strap system is designed to produce over 1,000 automotive-size batteries per shift. The DynaMAC COS features automated processes for element turnover, aligning, brushing, and fluxing. It also incorporates fast changeover capabilities through easy-change group holders and a gravity lead leveling system to ensure consistent strap formation and reduced internal electrical resistance.
Investors
MAC Engineering & Equipment was initially funded by Prestolite Corporation (now Stryten) during its early years. Shortly after, the company’s founders, Charles McAlpine and Ken McGowan, acquired sole ownership by buying out other investors. Since then, MAC has remained privately held by its founders or internal stakeholders.
Business Details
Location: Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA
Website: https://mac-eng.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15209318
