This year Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) celebrates 150 years in business in the forging and forming industry. The merger of the three companies brings more than 400 years of combined expertise.
The origins of ACE date back to 1875, when Ajax Manufacturing was established in the forging industry. Over time, the company grew to produce high-quality forging hammers, presses, and upsetters.
In 2005, Ajax Manufacturing acquired Chambersburg Engineering Company (CECO), a firm specializing in hydraulic and mechanical forging equipment since its founding in 1897. This acquisition strengthened Ajax Manufacturing’s capabilities in hammer and press technology, broadening its ability to serve a growing customer base with a wider array of forging solutions.
The next significant expansion occurred in 2019 when Erie Press Systems was acquired by Ajax-CECO. Founded in 1895, Erie Press is a recognized industry leader in hydraulic and mechanical press technology, serving critical sectors such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
Erie Press specializes in stretch forming, a metal shaping process that involves stretching materials like steel and aluminum beyond their yield point over shaped dies. This technique ensures smooth, precise contours while enhancing strength and minimizing the need for post-processing. Initially developed for aircraft manufacturing, stretch forming has become essential in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries. It enables the efficient production of complex parts with minimal force, reducing costs and material waste while improving durability and surface finish.
ACE operates under the umbrella of Park-Ohio Holdings Corp., a diversified industrial holding company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Its portfolio includes forging hammers, mechanical and hydraulic presses, upsetters, ring rolling mills, and hydroforming presses, as well as other specialized equipment. These machines are integral to industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, defense, and heavy machinery production.
Across all types of forging and metal forming equipment, ACE emphasizes five core areas: preventive maintenance, repair and spare parts programs, equipment rebuilding and remanufacturing, automation upgrades, and advanced human-machine interfaces (HMIs). These elements contribute to the longevity and efficiency of industrial machinery. Additionally, structured training programs help manufacturers address workforce challenges by ensuring that operators and maintenance teams have the necessary knowledge to manage and maintain their equipment effectively.
ACE says that its 150th anniversary highlights the importance of expertise, innovation and reliability for its business in the forging and forming industry.
