Abstract: An automated system for producing chain wherein individual pins are fed one-at-a-time to a heating station. The pins are heated in stages at said station to a temperature suitable for bending of the pins. The pins are automatically moved from said station by transfer and conveyor means to a bender where the pins are clamped in place and then bent in stages into an open-ended link shape. A robot picks up the link-shaped pins and places the pins one-at-a-time on the supporting surface of a closer. The robot then interlinks a welded link with a pin on the closer, and the pin on th closer is then closed. The robot then moves the closed pin to the welder for welding of the ends.