History of MGE

Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering, Inc., the sole developer of the patented i-cutŪ Vision system, began in the mid-eighties as Sign-Tronic USA. In 1996, Sign-Tronic changed its name to Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering, Inc. (MGE). In the past, MGE was a distributor of Zund cutting machines which were imported from Switzerland. As a software developer, as well as a distributor, MGE is constantly trying to integrate the best digital cutting systems into solutions for all of its varied customers' needs. Today, MGE has partnerships with over 36 of the world's best RIP, Printer and Flatbed Cutter companies, providing the widest possible array of solutions for every customer need. Integrated into complete solutions from $50,000 to $200,000, from Laser, to Router, to Cutter or multi-purpose Cutter/Router, a solution is available to match any specific customers' materials, printing process and throughput needs.


MGE's corporate office is located in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

In 2004, MGE was intrigued by the Kongsberg XL systems from Esko-Graphics. MGE and Esko partnered in late 2004 to bring about a more rugged and powerful multi-purpose digital cutting system for both Esko and MGE customers, and two new digital finishing systems were born - the i-XL & i-XE lines of cutting plotters. Now less than 3 years later over 200 i-XL systems are installed worldwide. Many MGE customers have upgraded from their former Zund machine that they purchased through MGE to the more robust i-XL system. And a number of early MGE i-XL customers have already purchased a 2nd system to keep up with their rapidly growing company needs. Today, MGE continues to provide the best of its partners' system solutions to the American market by selling and supporting not only the i-X Kongsberg cutting/routing solutions, but robust routing solutions OEM's from AXYZ Automation of Canada and laser systems from Trotec and Vytek.

MGE has grown from a 6 person company in 1996 to a 38 person company in 2007, with sales offices located in CA, AZ, MN, MA, and Germany. The company has also successfully established a network of international OEMs, distributors and marketing partnerships with leading RIP and printer developers, creating a strong and growing distribution channel as well as complete workflow solutions from design through most wide format RIPS to the printers and cutters. It's not just accurate cutting anymore that helps our customers profitability, it's the continuious adding of workflow capabilities asked for by our rapidly expanding customer base of over 1,500 users, that allows MGE to build more and more workflow solutions, further increasing our customers' competitiveness. On short runs, workflow savings of 30% of total finishing time and reduction in waste is common when using the MGE digital finishing solutions. Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering prides itself on excellent customer service, technical support, and in providing the best possible solutions for its customers and joint-customers alike.