154 of 250
Years Crafting American-Made Tools
Seymour Midwest® has been making American-made hand tools for more than half of the United States’ entire existence.
From Our Hands to Yours Since 1872
Founded just 96 years after the Declaration of Independence — we've been part of America's story ever since.
A Parallel History
America
Declaration of Independence
The United States of America is born on July 4, 1776.
—
America
Constitution Ratified
The framework of American democracy is established.
—
America
Transcontinental Railroad Completed
The Golden Spike connects America coast to coast, fueling industrial expansion.
—
America — 96 Years Old
The Industrial Age
America is in the midst of rapid industrialization, westward expansion, and manufacturing growth.
Seymour Midwest — Founded
Founded April 21, 1872
A small tool factory opens in Seymour, Indiana, manufacturing wagon wheel spokes and grain cradles.
America
Reconstruction Era Ends
America turns toward industrialization — factories, railroads, and manufacturing define the new economy.
Seymour Midwest — Leadership
The Birge Family Takes Ownership
New ownership steers the young company through America's industrial surge.
America
76 Million Americans
The U.S. population booms and manufacturing output surpasses every nation on earth.
Seymour Midwest — Growth
Growth & Scale
The factory expands to meet demand, employing over 100 workers in Seymour, Indiana.
America
First Powered Flight
The Wright Brothers take flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
—
America
St. Louis World's Fair
American industry and innovation on display for the world — the golden age of manufacturing.
Seymour Midwest — Acquisition
Hall Manufacturing Acquired
Seymour® expands its capabilities through its first major acquisition.
America
Radio Transforms America
Broadcasting unites a nation — the Roaring Twenties bring prosperity and cultural change.
Seymour Midwest — Acquisition
Acquires Dunn Edge Tool & North Indianapolis Cradle Works
Two strategic acquisitions broaden the product line and strengthen Seymour's market reach.
America
World War II
American industry pivots entirely to the war effort, producing more than any nation in history.
Seymour Midwest — War Production
Joins the War Effort
Seymour® retools to manufacture starter cartridges for aircraft and magazines for small arms.
America
Interstate Highway System Proposed
Eisenhower's highway network spurs suburbia, commerce, and a new era of American mobility.
Seymour Midwest — New Market
Enters the Fireplace Market
Seymour® diversifies into fireplace tools, expanding beyond agricultural and industrial products.
America
Apollo 11 — Moon Landing
"One giant leap for mankind." America reaches the moon.
—
America — 196 Years Old
Apollo Program Ends
America closes the most ambitious space exploration chapter in human history.
Seymour Midwest — Centennial
100th Anniversary
Seymour Manufacturing celebrates its centennial as the oldest industry in Seymour, Indiana.
America
Cold War Ends
The fall of the Soviet Union ushers in a decade of American economic expansion.
Seymour Midwest — New Brand
Midwest Rake® Founded
A new brand is born in the Midwest, focused on professional-grade coatings and asphalt tools.
America
NAFTA & the Internet Boom
American commerce goes global and digital — a new era of trade and technology takes hold.
Seymour Midwest — Acquisition
Structron® Acquired
Seymour® acquires Structron Corporation, adding fiberglass handle expertise to the family.
America
September 11, 2001
America is tested. The nation responds with resilience and resolve.
—
America
Digital America Accelerates
Facebook launches, smartphones emerge — the digital transformation of everyday American life begins in earnest.
Seymour Midwest — Acquisition
O.P. Link Handle Company Acquired
Seymour® acquires O.P. Link, adding the legendary LINK® Handles brand to its portfolio.
America
Hurricane Katrina
America's resilience is tested — rebuilding efforts drive massive demand for tools and infrastructure.
Seymour Midwest — Acquisition
Kenyon® Acquired
Midwest Rake® acquires Kenyon®, expanding the coatings tool lineup for professional contractors.
America
Financial Crisis
American industry contracts sharply — companies that survive emerge leaner and more resilient.
Seymour Midwest — Acquisition
Northstar Acquired
Midwest Rake® continues to grow its brand family, acquiring Northstar to round out its product offering.
America — 237 Years Old
American Manufacturing Renaissance
Made in America gains renewed cultural and economic importance.
Seymour Midwest — Unified Brand
Seymour Midwest® is Born
Two storied companies — Seymour® and Midwest Rake® — unite under one powerful American brand.
America — 246 Years Old
America Looks Toward 250
Planning begins for the nation’s Semiquincentennial — a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Seymour Midwest — 150th Anniversary
150 Years of Craftsmanship
On April 21, 2022, Seymour Midwest marks one of American manufacturing’s most significant milestones.
America — 250 Years Old
America's 250th Anniversary
July 4, 2026 — America celebrates its Semiquincentennial. A nation reflects on 250 years of freedom, progress, and perseverance.
Seymour Midwest — 154 Years Strong
154 of America’s 250 Years
Seymour Midwest has been building American-made tools for more than half the life of the United States. The story continues.
154 Years of
61% of America’s
6 Trusted
1872 Founded in
From Our Hands to Yours Since 1872 154 years of American craftsmanship. Built here. Sold everywhere. Trusted by generations.
Explore Our Products America250™ is a trademark of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. Seymour Midwest® proudly celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. For more information on the official celebration, visit america250.org .
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