Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) proudly commemorates 150 extraordinary years of pioneering innovation, unmatched craftsmanship, and industrial leadership. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to becoming an influential powerhouse in manufacturing, ACE has continually broken new ground and set the gold standard in engineering excellence.
Join us as we celebrate the significant milestones that have shaped ACE’s dynamic journey, reflecting a legacy of dedication, innovation, and progress.
Pioneering the Future (1875-1900) In its earliest years, ACE’s founding companies laid the groundwork for future innovations by establishing foundational businesses that would define industry standards. During this transformative period, the completion of the Erie Canal (1825) and Cleveland’s first railroad groundbreaking (1847) set the stage for industrial growth and regional economic prosperity.
- 1875: John Rollin Blakeslee Sr. founded Ajax Manufacturing Company in Cleveland, Ohio, igniting a legacy of innovation.
- 1885: Ajax built its first 4″ Solid Die Forging Machine, revolutionizing forging techniques.
- 1895: Erie Foundry was established, marking the beginning of an enduring presence in industrial manufacturing.
- 1897: Chambersburg Engineering Company (CECO) was founded, adding yet another pillar to ACE’s eventual legacy.
These formative years set the stage for ACE’s future success. Each of these pioneering efforts played a crucial role in establishing the foundational strength and forward-thinking ethos that continues today.
Growth and Transformation (1900-1950) The first half of the 20th century saw substantial growth, with ACE significantly expanding capabilities and playing vital roles in pivotal global events, particularly during wartime and the rise of automotive industries. Concurrently, major developments such as Henry Ford’s founding of Ford Motor Company (1903) and General Motors (1908), alongside significant global events like World War I and II, profoundly influenced manufacturing demand.
- 1900: Erie Foundry began machine shop production, fueling automotive and agricultural industries.
- 1910: Ajax constructed the first 7″ Forging Machine, the largest of its time.
- 1920: Erie Foundry produced 71 Steam Drop Hammers for Ford Motor Company, cementing their importance in automotive manufacturing.
- 1932: Ajax introduced the first direct air-operated friction clutch, widely considered the greatest forging innovation.
- 1943: Erie Foundry and CECO received prestigious Army-Navy “E” production awards for outstanding wartime contributions.
- 1946: Ajax built the first 6000T Forging Press, a significant leap in capability and scale.
This era of growth and transformation saw ACE expanding its reach and capability significantly, especially as it became integral to major industries like automotive and defense, greatly influencing modern manufacturing standards.
Innovation and Excellence (1950-2000) The latter half of the 20th century was defined by pioneering technological advancements and major expansions, firmly establishing ACE as an industry leader. This period coincided with an increased emphasis on technological innovation across industries, marked by milestones such as the introduction of solid-state technology and CAD systems.
- 1956: Erie Foundry engineer Bob Sanford developed the innovative “Scotch Yoke” mechanism for mechanical presses.
- 1971: Erie Foundry manufactured the world’s largest mechanical press, standing over 60 feet tall and weighing 3.5 million pounds, for TRW.
- 1981: Erie Press Systems adopted CAD technology, reflecting its commitment to technological advancements.
- 1987: Ajax Manufacturing was acquired by The Crawford Group, and Erie Press secured substantial orders from industry giants like GenCorp.
- 1996: Ajax became part of Park-Ohio Industries, further expanding its technological capabilities and reach.
Continued innovation positioned ACE as a frontrunner in technology and engineering. Each advancement from this period exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence and forward-thinking approach that continues to drive ACE’s success.
Unified Strength (2000-Present) The 21st century marked a period of strategic consolidation and innovation, leading to the formation of the unified powerhouse we know today as ACE. This era has seen rapid technological advancements, globalization, and a sharper focus on sustainability and efficiency.
- 2001: Erie Press Systems acquired the assets of L&F Industries, bolstering product offering with Sheet, Stretch and Control Roll forming machines.
- 2004: Park-Ohio acquired CECO’s intellectual property, setting the stage for future innovations.
- 2009: Ajax-CECO designed the new 38 Die Forger, becoming the largest of its kind.
- 2019: A pivotal moment—Park-Ohio acquired Erie Press Systems and shortly thereafter merged them with Ajax-CECO to form Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (A.C.E.), consolidating decades of expertise into one powerful entity.
This era represents the culmination of strategic growth, collaboration, and innovation, propelling ACE into a unified powerhouse capable of leading industry transformations.
Celebrating Our Legacy, Looking to the Future (2025 & Beyond)
As ACE proudly marks its 150th anniversary, our vision for the future is clearer than ever. Embracing emerging technologies, sustainability initiatives, and continuous innovation, we are dedicated to leading the industrial manufacturing sector into a smarter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible future.
With ongoing investments in advanced automation, digital engineering, and customer-centric solutions, ACE is committed to maintaining its role as an essential partner in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to energy and infrastructure. Our legacy inspires us, and our forward-looking initiatives ensure that ACE will continue setting benchmarks for excellence, quality, and reliability for generations to come.
Explore more about our history and discover how ACE can power your success today!
Visit ACE’s website to learn more and become part of our journey!
Celebrate With Us: 150-Year Open House Event
Join us on September 20th as we celebrate 150 years of innovation with a special open house event! Bring your family and friends for a day filled with fun, family-friendly activities, delicious food from local food trucks, and exclusive tours of our state-of-the-art facility. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss as we honor our past achievements and look ahead to a bright future together.
Join us for the open house, register today!