Mate Precision Tooling was founded in 1962 and was originally located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mate became a specialist in the design, manufacture and marketing of tooling for punch presses. In the early years, the company operated only in the local market. It soon became apparent there was a need for a national specialist in the punch press tooling field. In 1967, Mate began expansion into the national market using innovative marketing techniques that today are widely taken for granted. But in 1967 such things as guaranteed delivery dates, a standard catalog and price list, and a toll-free number were unusual and risky.