Bug-O Systems

Bug-O Systems manufactures a system of drives, carriages, rails and attachments designed to mechanize welding guns, cutting torches and other hand-held tools. Founded in 1948, the company describes itself as a family-owned business built on engineering excellence, delivering cutting and welding mechanization solutions that improve productivity, precision and operator safety, supported by worldwide distribution. Its equipment is described as inexpensive, modular and portable, providing precise path and speed control in any plane or position, and is used by fabricators, shipbuilders and the construction industry.

In 1943, "Livesay Multipurpose Machines," the predecessor to BUG-O, was invented to increase production of ships and landing craft at Higgins Shipyards in Louisiana for WWII. In 1948, H. Edward Cable, with 4 partners, started D.R. Electric Company, which would become Weld Tooling Corporation and Lincoln Service Shop in 1952. Herbert E. Cable joined as a Sales Representative in 1957-1958, and Weld Tooling Corporation acquired patent rights to "Livesay Machines" and began an extensive redesign. In 1958 the company moved to a new location on West Carson Street, and in 1959 Ed Cable started selling Livesay units. Weld Tooling Corporation created the BUG-O Systems Division to design, manufacture and sell the redesigned machines to be known as "BUG-O's." In 1977 Chip Cable joined Weld Tooling Corporation as a Sales Representative. In 1981 new technology advanced the AC Governor Control motor to a DC motor with Solid State Controls, and in 1982 the company acquired Cypress Welding, expanding into pipe fabrication. In 1987 it worked with shipyards to mechanize welding of submarines and ships for the U.S. military. In 1994 Herb Cable became CEO and Chip Cable became President, and in 1995 Trackless Machines, Overlay Systems and Programmable Machines were introduced. In 2002 BUG-O was used to weld the circumference of 10 ft. diameter pilings and cut slots in inner and outer piling for the replacement sections of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge project, and in 2007 BUG-O mechanization was utilized in shipbuilding of Disney cruise lines at Meyer Werft Ship Yard. In 2008, 4th generation Matt Cable joined the company. The company states it was founded in 1948 and manufactures a system of drives, carriages, rails and attachments designed to mechanize welding guns, cutting torches and other hand-held tools; the basic motion control concept was born during WWII to help mass produce Navy ships at Higgins Industries, a shipbuilder in New Orleans, which with the help of the original BUG-O machines produced a record 700 boats a month.

Operator-controlled mechanized solutions for welding, cutting and custom applications; equipment described as inexpensive, modular and portable with precise path and speed control.

• Universal Bug-o-Matic

• Trackless Machines

• Overlay Systems

• Programmable Machines

1. 1Bug-O Systems: Cutting & Welding Mechanization Systemsbugo.com
2. 2History | Bug-O Systems 75 Years Welding Mechanizationbugo.com
3. 3About Us | Innovating Since 1948 | Bug-O Systemsbugo.com