Mathias Die Company Installs Crest 32x47 Clamshell Press

South St. Paul, Minnesota – February 24, 2026 – Mathias Die Company (MDC) has officially installed a Crest 32x47 Clamshell Press at its headquarters, expanding its capacity to host hands-on training workshops and support the next generation of die cutting professionals. The press was installed in partnership with Die Cutting Advisors (DCA), whose mission is to provide trusted guidance in selecting the right die cutting solution for each application—whether that’s a Crest Clamshell, a Preco system, a Schwabe press, or another platform—along with expert consultation and educational resources for the die cutting and converting industry. 

With the new Crest press fully operational in its dedicated training area, Mathias will continue to host its biannual tooling workshops, drawing participants from across North America—including Canada, Mexico, and the United States. These events offer hands-on experience, proper tooling techniques, and live demonstrations, giving attendees the opportunity to learn with production-grade equipment in a real-world environment. 

“This is exactly the kind of partnership DCA was created for,” said Rob Weidhaas, founder of Die Cutting Advisors. “There’s a major knowledge gap emerging in the industry due to retirements and technology shifts. By placing equipment like the Crest in facilities where training is a priority, we’re helping to bridge that gap, one press and one team at a time.” 

The partnership between DCA and Mathias reflects a shared commitment to educating the market, expanding access to modern equipment, and delivering long-term value to converters, manufacturers, and printers alike. 

“We’re excited to bring the Crest into our workshop program,” said Matt Bignell, Director of Operations at Mathias Die Company. “For us, it’s not just about showcasing tooling—it’s about giving customers a place to see complete solutions in action. With DCA’s support and the Crest press installed, we can now offer even more impactful, hands-on learning experiences.” 

The next MDC training event is scheduled for May 2026, and is expected to welcome attendees from across the continent. Participants will learn proper die cutting techniques, explore advanced tooling strategies, and gain valuable exposure to equipment like the Crest clamshell—a popular choice for both legacy and modern die cutting applications. 

About Die Cutting Advisors (DCA) 

Die Cutting Advisors (DCA) is a boutique consulting firm specializing in die cutting equipment, technology integration, and training. Founded by Rob Weidhaas Jr., DCA partners with converters, manufacturers, and press operators to guide them toward the right die cutting solutions for their specific needs. DCA’s mission is to advance the industry through education, innovation, and integrity—helping companies make informed decisions while supporting the next generation of die cutting professionals.

About Mathias Die Company (MDC) 

With over 50 years of experience, Mathias Die Company is a leader in engineered tooling and converting solutions. Originally founded as a steel rule die manufacturer, MDC has evolved into a comprehensive provider of flatbed tooling, die cutting, and stamping services. The company combines deep engineering expertise with modern technology to deliver best-in-class solutions across industries including medical, automotive, industrial products, and more. Learn more at www.mathias-die.com.