Messer Cutting Systems began in 1955 under the name CRO Engineering. CRO stood for the first names of the founding partners, Carl, Rudy, and Orville. CRO began as a specialty machine tool builder addressing one-of-a-kind applications.

The cutting machine line designed by Mr. Rudy Kleine would be known as the "Mono Trak" stemming from the center mounted round long axis rail. This machine was photo-optically controlled and used an aluminum transverse beam and main carriage.

Hundreds of these Mono Trak machines were sold in the 1960's. Additionally, a profile milling machine was developed based on the same frame. This machine was called a "Profi-Mill" and was purchased by major aircraft builders throughout the world.

CRO Engineering pioneered many of the fundamental applications which are common today such as NC control, CNC control and laser cutting. In 1969 CRO Engineering delivered the first American built numerically controlled LASER cutting machine for shape cutting titanium in the aerospace industry.

In 1968, CRO displayed the first American built plasma arc gantry cutting machine controlled by an NC system. The machine was shown at the welding fair in Essen Germany. Messer Griesheim GmbH noticed the machine, and realizing that CRO could be a new competitor, purchased the company in 1973. Messer Griesheim then changed the name of CRO to MG Cutting Systems.

Today, MG Cutting Systems is identified as Messer Cutting Systems, a subsidiary of Messer Cutting & Welding GmbH of Frankfurt Germany. Before that it was known as MG Systems & Welding. Messer Cutting Systems is a global manufacturer with production facilities in the United States, Germany, India, Brazil and the Peoples Republic of China. Company sales and service centers are located throughout the world to support customer operations.

Messer Cutting Systems offers a complete line of plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. Also available are many productivity enhancing products including programming and nesting software, material handling equipment, cutting tables, and part finishing equipment.

In September 2000, Messer Cutting Systems purchased Eutectic Castolin, a worldwide producer of specialty welding products. Eutectic Castolin is known for bringing welding solutions to especially difficult applications.

In 2005, the Messer family regained almost 100% control of the MEC holding companies. The global companies making up this group are Messer Cutting Systems, Eutectic Castolin, and BIT.