 In the 1920s through 1960s, South Bend lathes were found in countless machine shops and factories, and they were also one of the most commonly used brands in vocational schools.The 9-inch lathe was so successful that many other companies made almost direct copies (clones), including the Boxford Lathe Model A in England; Purcell, Demco, and FW Hercus in Australia; Blomqvist and Storebro in Sweden; and Sanches Blanes S.A. in Brazil.The company made a case study for business-management academics during the mid-1970s when it became employee-owned under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan model.