Unpacking the Legacy and Expertise of Ajax, CECO, and Erie Press

For nearly 150 years, Ajax, CECO, and Erie Press have been synonymous with excellence, dominating the forging and metal-forming industries with unparalleled innovation and craftsmanship. These three legendary brands, each with its own storied history and groundbreaking achievements, have now united under the Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) banner to form an unmatched powerhouse in the global market.

Together, they are the beating heart of the forging industry, trusted by the world’s most demanding sectors—from aerospace and defense to automotive and beyond. With an unrelenting focus on precision, quality, and customer satisfaction, ACE is not just a company—it is the industry standard.

Our legacy isn’t just built on delivering the highest quality machinery, parts, and services; it’s built on creating lasting partnerships and powering the success of our clients, project by project, generation after generation.

The Legacy of Excellence

Ajax/CECO/Erie Press isn’t just a brand—it’s a symbol of endurance and innovation. Born from the merger of three powerhouse companies, ACE is North America’s largest and longest-running supplier of forging machinery, equipment, and parts​. Each company brought its own expertise to the table, creating a unified organization that thrives on quality, precision, and customer-centric solutions.

• Ajax Manufacturing: Founded in 1897, Ajax is renowned for its forging machines and upsetters. Over the years, it earned a reputation for delivering durable, high-performance machinery used in some of the most demanding applications worldwide. In 1996, ParkOhio recognized Ajax’s potential and acquired the company, merging it with CECO to create a more powerful entity in the forging industry.
• CECO (Chambersburg Engineering Company): Established in the 1890s, CECO quickly became a household name, specializing in forging hammers that provided essential equipment to manufacturers around the globe. Although it faced financial struggles in the early 2000s, ParkOhio acquired CECO in 2004, combining it with Ajax to restore its operations and further solidify its industry presence.
• Erie Foundry: Founded in 1895, changed their name to Erie Press Systems, in the 70s, excelled in engineering, manufacturing, and servicing custom hydraulic & mechanical presses and forming machines. Its success in new equipment manufacturing made it a vital part of the ACE combination. In 2019, ParkOhio completed the trifecta by acquiring Erie Press, combining its strengths with Ajax and CECO to create a unified powerhouse that enhances the group’s reputation as a leader in the forging and metal-forming industry.

 

Comprehensive Solutions: From Concept to Completion

One of the key strengths of Ajax/CECO/Erie Press is its ability to deliver turnkey solutions. Whether a client needs new equipment, rebuilds, remanufactures, or regular maintenance, ACE provides end-to-end service. This comprehensive approach starts with expert consultation, moves through precise engineering and manufacturing, and ends with top-tier installation and support​.

At the heart of ACE’s offerings is its robust product line, including Forging Presses and Hammers, Carbon Extrusion Presses, Compression Molding Presses, Sheet and Stretch forming machines and more. Each machine is meticulously designed to meet the exacting standards of industries like aerospace, defense, and automotive, where reliability and performance are non-negotiable. Our focus on customization ensures that every client receives equipment tailored to their unique needs, optimizing their production processes and minimizing costs.

Keeping Operations Running Smoothly

In addition to supplying industry-leading forging and metal-forming machinery, ACE goes above and beyond to ensure clients experience minimal downtime through their comprehensive Preventative Maintenance Program,  Rebuild Program and Parts Stocking Programs. These proactive services are engineered to optimize operational efficiency by anticipating and addressing potential mechanical issues long before they escalate into costly breakdowns or disruptions.

ACE’s approach includes regular health checks on critical equipment to ensure peak performance, coupled with a strategically managed inventory of OEM parts tailored to the specific needs of each operation. By maintaining a steady supply of high-quality components and offering expert maintenance solutions, ACE empowers its clients to maintain uninterrupted production, reduce unplanned downtime, and enhance overall productivity.

Whether it’s mitigating wear and tear or safeguarding against unforeseen failures, ACE is committed to being a partner in reliability, helping clients stay ahead of the curve and keep their production lines moving smoothly and efficiently.

A Tradition of American Craftsmanship

Headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, ACE takes pride in its tradition of American craftsmanship. Every machine that leaves the facility is a testament to the skill and dedication of their workforce. With a stringent focus on quality management that complies with international standards, ACE ensures that every product not only meets but exceeds customer expectations.

This dedication to quality is why clients across various sectors trust ACE with their most critical operations. Whether you’re in the market for a custom-built press or need to restore an aging machine to its former glory, ACE’s engineers and technicians are prepared to deliver.

Forging Ahead Together

The unification of Ajax, CECO, and Erie Press under the ACE umbrella created a powerhouse capable of meeting the demands of a diverse and global client base. Each of these brands brought with them a wealth of knowledge and history, and together, they’ve formed a company that’s positioned to lead the industry into the future.

With over 400 years of combined experience, Ajax/CECO/Erie Press is more than just a manufacturer—it’s a partner committed to helping clients succeed. Their expertise, paired with their comprehensive service offerings, ensures that no matter the challenge, they have the solutions to help keep the world forging ahead.

If you’re looking to enhance your operations with cutting-edge machinery and unmatched support, Ajax/CECO/Erie Press is ready to be your partner in success. Experience the ACE difference—where innovation meets tradition and quality never falters.