Barber–Colman Company facts for kids
The Barber–Colman Company was a big company that made machines for making fabric (textile machinery) and for cutting metal (milling machinery). It started in 1894 and operated until the 1980s. Howard Colman started the company in Rockford, Illinois, with money from W. A. Barber. They became famous for inventions like the Hand Knotter and the Warp Tying Machine. These machines helped the company grow worldwide, with factories in many places. The company later moved to Loves Park, Illinois. After 1983, the company was sold to different owners. Today, another company called Eurotherm Controls, Inc. owns the Barber–Colman name.
Contents
Company History
Quick facts for kids |
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Barber–Colman Company Historic District
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Section 5 of the complex
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| Location | 100 Loomis, 1202-1322 (even) Rock St., Rockford, Illinois |
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| Area | 12.8 acres (5.2 ha) |
| Architectural style | Industrial Loft |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000674 |
| Added to NRHP | August 8, 2006 |
Starting the Company
Howard Colman came to Rockford, Illinois, from Wisconsin. He wanted to open a shop to build his new textile machine. He teamed up with W. A. Barber, an investor from Wisconsin. Together, they started Barber & Colman in 1894. Their first office was above a machine shop in Rockford.
In 1900, Colman invented the Hand Knotter. This small machine could tie knots in string very quickly. It was so popular that Barber & Colman opened their own factory in 1902. Soon, they had offices in Boston, Massachusetts and the UK.
Big Inventions and Growth
Another big success was Colman's Warp Tying Machine, released in 1904. This machine helped put threads through tiny loops called heddles. It made the process much faster. Companies could do this job with 86% fewer workers! In 1904, the company officially became the Barber–Colman Company.
By 1907, five new buildings were added to their factory complex. The next year, Barber–Colman started making Milling Cutters. These tools were used by large factories to cut metal. In 1910, they released their Gear Hobbing Machine. This machine could cut teeth into gears very precisely.
In 1919, the company bought the rights to the Warp Drawing Machine. This machine made it easier to change fabric patterns. In 1921, Barber–Colman introduced even more machines. These included the High Speed Warper & Creel and Automatic Spoolers.
By 1931, the company had factories and offices in many places. These included Framingham, Massachusetts; Greenville, South Carolina; Munich, Germany; Chicago; Cincinnati, Ohio; Rochester, New York; and Manchester, England.
Changes and New Ownership
Howard Colman passed away in 1942. Harry Severson, one of the first directors, took over the company. In 1953, a new, large factory was built in nearby Loves Park, Illinois. It was called the "Park Plant."
In 1954, Barber–Colman bought the Hendey Machine Company. By 1965, the Loves Park factory had three more additions. In 1968, another large building was added near the original plant. By 1975, Barber–Colman had 4,000 workers in 150 locations!
The company stayed in the Colman family until Walter Colman (Howard's son) passed away in 1983. After this, the company was sold off in parts to different businesses. One company, Reed–Chatwood, bought the textile machine part. They kept making machines at the original factory until 2001.
Another company, Bourn & Koch, bought the machine tool part. They still provide parts and support for Barber–Colman machines today. The Barber–Colman name is now owned by Eurotherm Controls, Inc.
The old Barber–Colman factory complex in Rockford has been empty since 2001. The City of Rockford bought the property in 2002. On August 8, 2006, the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historic site.
Images for kids
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Barber–Colman High Speed Warper in 1937
