For more than 150 years, Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) has been at the forefront of the forging and forming industry, driven by strategic mergers, technological advancements, and a steadfast commitment to customer success. Through this evolution, ACE has grown into North America’s largest supplier of forging and forming equipment, continually adapting to meet the demands of an ever-changing market.
A major catalyst for this success has been the consolidation of three industry pioneers, bringing together more than 400 years of combined expertise. This merger has positioned ACE to offer the most extensive range of forging and metal forming equipment available. By integrating advanced maintenance and repair programs, state-of-the-art automation and control systems, and comprehensive training initiatives, ACE continues to set new standards for innovation, efficiency, and quality across the industry.
The origins of ACE date back to 1875, when Ajax Manufacturing was established as a pioneering force in the forging industry. Over time, the company built a reputation for producing high-quality forging hammers, presses, and upsetters, paving the way for its future growth.
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.
The company is now known as Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) and continues its leadership in the forging and metal forming equipment industry.
ACE operates under the umbrella of Park-Ohio Holdings Corp., a diversified industrial holding company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Park-Ohio provides the financial strength and global reach that support ACE’s continuous growth and innovation.
More info www.ajaxerie.com
