For more than 150 years, Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) has been serving 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 a large 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 over 400 years of combined expertise. This merger has positioned ACE to offer an extensive range of forging and metalforming equipment. The company integrates advanced maintenance and repair programs, state-of-the-art automation and control systems and comprehensive training initiatives.
The origins of ACE date back to 1875, when Ajax Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» 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 Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» acquired Chambersburg Engineering Company (CECO), a firm specializing in hydraulic and mechanical forging equipment since its founding in 1897. This acquisition strengthened Ajax Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»'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 provider of 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 provides 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).
ACE operates under the umbrella of Park-Ohio Holdings Corp., a diversified industrial holding company headquartered in Cleveland, OH. Park-Ohio provides the financial strength and global reach that support ACE's continuous growth and innovation. Through this partnership, ACE has expanded its engineering capabilities, enhanced its manufacturing operations and provided customer support across industries worldwide.
ACE offers a broad spectrum of solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern manufacturing. 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.
For more information contact:
Ajax/CECO/Erie
1253 W 12th St.
P.O. Box 4061
Erie, PA 16501
814-455-3941
info-sales@ajaxerie.com