Ajax/CECO/Erie Press (ACE) celebrated 150 years of operations in the forging and metal-forming equipment industry, driven by strategic mergers and technological advancements.
A major catalyst for this success has been the consolidation of three industry pioneers, bringing together over 400 years of combined expertise and integrating advanced maintenance and repair programs, automation and control systems and comprehensive training initiatives.
The origins of ACE date back to 1875, when Ajax Manufacturing established its presence in the forging industry. Over time, the company built a reputation for producing 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.
The next significant expansion occurred in 2019 when Erie Press Systems was acquired by Ajax-CECO. Founded in 1895, Erie Press specializes in hydraulic and mechanical press technology, serving sectors such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
Erie Press focuses on 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).
ACE operates under the umbrella of Park-Ohio Holdings Corp., an industrial holding company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
Although the specific machines may differ, from forging hammers to hydraulic presses, the principles behind their effective operation remain the same. Certain key practices help ensure that equipment performs efficiently, remains operational for longer periods and meets safety standards.
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).
ACE’s portfolio includes upsetters, forging hammers and hydroforming presses, as well as other specialized equipment.Ajax/CECO/Erie Press
These elements contribute to the longevity and efficiency of industrial machinery by reducing unexpected failures, improving process automation and enhancing operator control. 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.
As the industry continues to evolve, the value of proven knowledge and well-engineered forging and metal forming solutions remains essential for manufacturers striving to maintain quality and competitiveness.