Bozeman’s Pocket NC is now Penta Machine Company
Creators of revolutionary 5-axis desktop CNC machines launch new name and logo in advance of expanded lineup.
On July 22, 2022, Bozeman’s Pocket NC announced its rebranding as Penta Machine Company and shared its plans for future development.
August 10, 2022
On Friday, July 22, 2022, Bozeman-based Pocket NC Company, which designs and manufactures 5-axis CNC milling machines at their factory in Belgrade, Montana, announced that it has undergone a major rebranding, becoming Penta Machine Company.
As Pocket NC, the company’s products have drawn attention for combining advanced milling capabilities with industry-leading accuracy in an approachable, nimble, use-anywhere setup. The rebrand to Penta Machine Company supports the evolution of its product line that helps startups, thinkers, and makers everywhere — from the lab and classroom to the home shop — bring their big ideas to life. The announcement comes in advance of an anticipated launch of a new, bigger machine, with building anticipation for Penta’s customers and followers.
Co-founder Michelle Hertel, explained the reasoning behind why the company chose the name ‘Penta.’ “5-axis machining is our bread and butter,” Hertel said. “It’s a key part of what makes our products the most power-packed, user-friendly CNC machines of their size. We wanted to capture the spirit of 5-axis capabilities in our new name.”
The company was founded in 2011 when husband and wife engineer team Matt and Michelle Hertel created the revolutionary, desktop-sized 5-axis CNC milling machine in a backyard shed. After years spent perfecting the design, the Hertels then successfully launched a 2016 Kickstarter campaign that broke the state of Montana’s previously held record for funding dollars raised, with 280 backers pledging $355,833.
In 2018, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance featured Pocket NC on its annual High-Growth Companies to Watch list. Today, the rebranded Penta Machine Company’s Belgrade shop and team of talented designers, engineers, and machinists continues to grow.
“Since day one, we’ve been working to advance the spirit of innovation — through our products, and for our customers. We’re always looking for ways to do things differently — to do things better,” said Co-founder Matt Hertel.
Moving the original Pocket NC and user-friendly Kinetic Control software under the umbrella of Penta Machine Company, the team plans to expand its product lines with their signature “see the need, create the solution” mindset. They continue to explore better software, automation-ready capabilities, and enhanced ease of use in nearly any space, ideal for industrial, educational, or personal machining applications.
Penta Machine Company has big plans for its future development. “We’re the same great team, making the same powerful machines and software,” Michelle said. “Penta will continue to produce the Pocket NC V2 machines and accessories, and our Kinetic Control software will continue to receive software updates. But we’ll be sharing more details soon on the release of our next big creation.”
About the Publisher: Launched in 2014, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance is a nonpartisan nonprofit association of more than 200 high tech and manufacturing companies and affiliates creating high-paying jobs in Montana. For more information, visit MTHighTech.org or subscribe to our biweekly newsletter.
