At Bloom Manufacturing, we don’t make a habit of chasing trends. We focus on what works, what lasts, and what helps our customers get the job done safely and reliably. That’s why we’ve invested in a new Haas EC-500/50 Horizontal Milling Machine, a powerful addition to our machine shop that will take our precision, speed and custom capabilities to the next level.

Whether you need one winch or a full fleet, this machine helps us build them better, right here in Independence, Iowa. Here’s what this investment means for our customers and why we think it matters.

What Is Milling (and Why Does It Matter in Winch Manufacturing)?

Milling is the process of shaping metal parts using a spinning cutter. It’s how raw blocks of steel and alloy become the exactly machined components that make up the heart of your winch, things like gears, drums, housings, and flanges.

When your winch needs to work under pressure, in salt spray, on a job site, or a utility pole, precision matters. Better milling = better performance.

Meet the Haas EC-500/50: Built for High-Volume, Heavy-Cutting Work

Our new EC-500/50 Horizontal Milling Machine from Haas is designed for tough jobs like ours—and yours.

Here’s what it brings to the table:

  • 50-Taper Spindle: Delivers powerful cutting force for large or heavy-duty parts. This is key for machining thick, tough materials like the ones we use in our hydraulic winches.
  • 500mm Pallets + Built-In Pallet Changer: Allows for unattended machining, meaning we can run jobs overnight or in sequence—helping you get your product faster.
  • Full 4th-Axis Rotary System: Allows for more complex and precise part geometries, especially for round or custom-fit components.
  • Rear-Exit Chip Conveyor: Improves efficiency and safety by removing excess material quickly and cleanly.
  • 50+1 Tool Side-Mount Tool Changer: Enables rapid switching between tools, reducing downtime and increasing accuracy.

In short? It’s a workhorse. And it fits perfectly into how we work at Bloom.

Questions? Contact Bloom Today

What This Upgrade Means for You

Here’s how this new equipment improves our ability to deliver high-quality winches, especially if you need something custom, rugged, or fast.

1. Tighter Tolerances for Longer-Lasting Parts

When your parts fit together more precisely, they wear less over time. This machine helps us hold closer tolerances, which means:

  • Smoother operation
  • Less vibration
  • Longer lifespan

Whether you’re operating a winch in harsh marine conditions or pulling cable on a job site, you’ll feel the difference.

2. Faster Production and Shorter Lead Times

The EC-500/50 is built for speed, with:

  • A pallet system for continuous runs
  • Faster tool changes
  • Reduced downtime between batches

That helps us deliver your winch on time, even for rush jobs or when deadlines are tight. It gives your team less to worry about when it’s time to replace or expand your equipment.

3. Better Repeatability, Batch After Batch

Whether you’re ordering one winch or ten, this machine makes sure every part comes out exactly right. That consistency helps with:

  • Replacement parts
  • Long-term planning
  • Multi-unit orders

Because we’re still machining in-house, right here in Independence, Iowa, we don’t have to sacrifice quality or rely on uncertain supply chains.

Read More: Behind the Build: How Bloom Winches are Manufactured in Iowa

4. More Flexibility for Custom Orders

Need a unique flange size? A special housing fit? A different drum diameter? The EC-500/50 lets us create more complex shapes and tight radiuses with greater control.

That means:

  • More options for your project
  • Better performance in specific applications
  • Fewer compromises when choosing equipment

Request a Quote or Contact Our Sales Department

Still Built in Iowa. Still Built to Last.

This new machine doesn’t change who we are; it just makes us better at what we already do.

For over 100 years, we’ve been committed to:

  • U.S.-based manufacturing
  • High-quality, low-warranty products
  • Real, personal support from people who know your name

With this addition to our machine shop, we’re doubling down on our promise: to build winches that help your team get the job done, without the headaches.

Let’s Build Something Better

Whether you’re in construction, marine, energy, or utility work, the equipment you use matters. And when you choose Bloom, you get a winch that’s:

  • Precision-machined
  • Field-proven
  • Backed by real people
  • Made right here in the U.S.

As we head into our first-ever appearance at ConExpo and ATX, we’re excited to show off not just our winches, but the work and craftsmanship behind them.

Contact us to talk through your next project or get a custom quote started today.

Talk to Bloom Manufacturing Today