Motion Control Manufacturers – Where We Come From

Every great venture has a story, and we’re no exception.

What began with a partnership between a mechanic and a designer set the stage for a remarkable legacy in motion control technology. This collaboration sparked a tradition of innovation that has defined our company’s journey.

Since our formation, we've evolved from crafting early hardware designs to embracing modern advancements, including the latest Smokin' Ugly brand. This evolution reflects a blend of enduring tradition and forward-thinking technology, illustrating how we have consistently adapted to meet various needs while shaping the future of motion control.

The Beginnings

Our story begins in the early 1900s with Adam Weber, a local mechanic who had just opened Weber Mfg. Co. Weber, recognizing the potential for growth, saw an opportunity in the growing furniture industry in Jamestown, New York. However, to fully capitalize on this opportunity, he needed someone with a strong artistic and design background. 

Enter Ed Knapp. Hailing from Grand Rapids, Knapp joined Weber Mfg. Co. in 1907. His extensive experience in furniture trim manufacturing made him an invaluable addition. Knapp’s presence not only complemented Weber’s mechanical expertise but also brought a new dimension to the business with his design acumen. 

This collaboration combined Weber’s inventive spirit with Knapp’s strategic insights, laying the groundwork for future advancements. 

Their successful partnership led to the incorporation of Weber-Knapp Co. in 1909. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a long legacy of innovation and growth, setting the stage for the company’s future in motion control solutions.

Early Historical Moments

In the early 20th century, Weber Knapp ventured into the furniture trim market, capitalizing on the growing demand for stylish and durable furniture components. This strategic move not only secured our place in the industry but also led to significant growth.

Our acquisition by Keeler Brass in 1917 marked a significant development, as it improved our manufacturing capabilities and expanded our distribution network. This partnership provided us with additional resources and a broader market reach.

Following World War I, we seized new opportunities by producing parts for phonograph cabinets and branching out into wood smoking cabinets in the 1920s. Our entry into the metal furniture hardware market further solidified our role as a major industry player.

During the Great Depression, we adeptly shifted focus to manufacture casket hardware. This transition not only helped us navigate the economic challenges but also highlighted our resilience and dedication to maintaining strong industry connections. Throughout this period, we maintained consistent operations, never missing a payroll, and continued to support our workforce and clients effectively.

Innovation and Patents

The transition from furniture hardware to motion control engineering began in the 1960s, as we started developing counterbalance technology. This shift laid the groundwork for a future marked by significant innovation. 

The introduction of the counterbalance hinge used in Magnavox TV consoles is one of our early efforts to that end, and became an important milestone in our evolution.

In the 1970s, we redirected our focus toward the counterbalance market, refining our products to meet the increasing demand for reliable motion control solutions. Our partnership with Xerox during this decade highlighted our dedication to advancing counterbalance mechanisms for their growing range of office equipment.

The 1980s brought a major transformation with the introduction of ergonomic workstation components that revolutionized office environments. The rise of personal computers prompted us to develop pioneering products such as height-adjustable keyboard mechanisms and monitor positioning devices, setting new standards for office comfort and functionality.

By the mid-1980s, our commitment as a motion control manufacturer to innovation had resulted in over 50 U.S. patents, many of which were tied to our cutting-edge solutions. These patents underscore our role as leaders in mechanical motion control engineering and our ongoing drive for advancement. 

Modern Developments 

In the 2000s, the company made significant inroads into the luxury appliance and medical equipment sectors. This period marked our venture into designing and manufacturing built-in refrigerator and oven hinges for high-end residential appliances. 

We also developed specialized components for medical equipment, including centrifuges and blood analysis devices, showcasing our precision engineering capabilities in both luxury and healthcare applications.

By 2010, we introduced the Vectis brand, a significant milestone that highlighted our commitment to pushing the boundaries of mechanical motion control systems. 

Vectis quickly became synonymous with precision and reliability, offering advanced motion control solutions across various industries. This brand represented not just a new product line, but a deeper integration of our engineering expertise into modern technological applications.

In 2021, we launched the Smokin' Ugly brand, marking our entry into the outdoor cooking accessories market. Our drum smoker lid hinge and other products, such as the TG Series Grill and the Chiminea, showcased our engineering expertise and adaptability in a new arena.

As a locally owned company, we continue to honor our rich heritage while embracing modern advancements as your motion control manufacturers. Our dedicated team in Jamestown remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering high-quality products that keep us a leader in motion control technology.

Your Motion Control Manufacturers Commitment 

Our journey from a small mechanic shop to a leader in motion control technology reflects a blend of heritage and innovation. From Adam Weber’s early vision and Ed Knapp’s strategic insights to the introduction of Smokin’ Ugly, each chapter in our history has shaped who we are today. 

The evolution from furniture hardware to cutting-edge motion control solutions and outdoor cooking accessories highlights our ability to adapt and lead in diverse markets. As we continue to build on our legacy, our commitment to quality and innovation remains steadfast, driving us forward as we shape the future of motion control technology.

Ask Us A Question

Now you know who we are and where we come from, get advice from one of our motion control experts!