Global Ames

About Us

AMES is the leading manufacturer of hand-powered landscaping tools in the world and one of the oldest consumer brands in the United States. From its founding in a blacksmith shop in 1774, AMES has grown into a global family of brands marketed through major retailers in the U.S., Canada and Australasia. Today we continue to build on the AMES legacy of manufacturing quality tools for big tasks, whether that means creating a backyard oasis for family and friends or laying the foundation for a skyscraper. Through quality craftsmanship and inspired innovation, we have established leading positions across numerous product categories.

1774
JOHN AMES BEGINS MAKING TOOLS

One man, with hand-selected wood, forged steel, and a sturdy determination to make things the right way. At his West Bridgewater Massachusetts forge, Captain John Ames smiths America’s first metal shovels and eliminates the need for British imports.

1775-1783
The Revolutionary War

During the Revolutionary War, patriots dig in with AMES shovels fashioned from iron bars by an 80 pound, water-powered trip hammer.

1803
LAND PURCHASE IN EASTON, MA

Oliver Ames, youngest son of Capt. John Ames, purchases a forge, nailmaking shop, house and several pieces of land in Easton, Massachusetts for $1,600.

1808
Old Stone Forge

The Old Stone Forge is opened in Vermont by Alexander Miller. This Company will be purchased by Lyman Batcheller in 1935 and eventually merges into American Fork and Hoe in 1902. Later, American Fork and Hoe becomes True Temper.

1810
PRESIDENT MADISON SIGNS TRIP HAMMER PATENT

Original trip hammer design patent issued on April 25, 1810 and signed by President James Madison.

1812
The War of 1812

American troops rely on AMES shovels to dig life-saving protective entrenchments.

1817
THE FIRST BACK-STRAPPED SHOVELS

Oliver Ames manufactures the first back-strapped shovels, later modified for easy transport by soldiers in wartime.

1824
WOOD HANDLE SHOVEL MANUFACTURED

The first wood handle shovel was manufactured in 1824 by AMES.

1837
AMES SHOVELS BREAKGROUND FOR B&O RAILROAD

President Abraham Lincoln personally asks Oakes Ames, son of Oliver Ames, to supply shovels for the Union cause during the Civil War. By the time the war between the states ends and the Resurrection Period begins, pent-up demand for shovels and other civilian needs creates a tremendous boom.

1840
AMES SHOVELS INSTRUMENTAL THROUGHOUT OREGON TRAIL

Settlers, primarily from the Ohio Valley region and Missouri, battle the elements to migrate West. The main route is the Oregon Trail, leading to the Oregon Territory. The trail begins at Independence, Missouri and ends at Oregon City and the Willamette Valley. The average wagon train endures about six months of confrontations with mountains, rivers, prairie land and desert to reach its destination. AMES shovels are instrumental in the settlers’ efforts to challenge mother nature and to stake their claims in the new territory.

1848-1855
Gold Rush

Instead of panning for gold, many successful prospectors dig tunnels to find the richest veins. During the California Gold Rush, demand for reliable AMES shovels is so high they are used as currency.

1861
LINCOLN ASKS FOR AMES SHOVELS DURING CIVIL WAR

President Abraham Lincoln personally asks Oakes Ames, son of Oliver Ames, to supply shovels for the Union cause during the Civil War. By the time the war between the states ends and the Resurrection Period begins, pent-up demand for shovels and other civilian needs creates a tremendous boom.

1862-1869
OAKES AMES TAKES CHARGE OF UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD

At the request of President Lincoln, crews use AMES shovels to lay rails across the country until the final Gold Spike. The Ames brothers save the project from failure with emergency financing and later serve as the railroad’s presidents.

1870
OAKES AMES INVENTS HANDLE BENDING MACHINE
1873
Verona Tools Begins Operations

In 1931, the company is bought by Wooding Forge and Tool which is acquired by AMES in 1997.

1876
Jackson Established

Jackson Manufacturing Company begins to produce the first wheelbarrows in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Some settlers use the strong metal tubs of the wheelbarrow as protection during Indian attacks.

1878
First World Exposition

AMES shovels win the Gold Medal at the First World Exposition and are later named “Best Made” shovel at the 1904 World Exposition.

1879
AMES Leads The Shovel Industry

Daily production of 5,000 shovels accounts for 60% of the world’s metal shovels.

1886
AMES SHOVELS USED IN CONSTRUCTION OF STATUE OF LIBERTY
1895
Garant Established

In Quebec, Garant Company begins as a small family operation offering tools that are fashioned and forged by hand. In 1991, AMES will acquire Garant which has become Canada’s leading manufacturer of snow removal, construction and gardening tools.

1897
Northcote Pottery Established

Started in Australia as a manufacturer of terra cotta pottery and roof tiles. It is currently Australia and New Zealand’s largest distributor of garden décor products.

1899
AMES SHOVELS BUILD NEW YORK SUBWAYS
1901
AMES Shovel and Tool Merger

President Hobart Ames and Secretary William Hadwen Ames lead the reorganized Ames Shovel and Tool, Inc. This corporation is a merger of T. Rowland’s Sons, Wright Shovel Company, St. Louis Shovel Company, H.M. Meyers Shovel Company and Elwood Steel Plant. Handle-making plants in Maine, Texas and Ohio are also acquired.

1902
American Fork and Hoe Formed

The new company is created with the merger of seventeen companies. This conglomerate will later become True Temper.

1903-1914
AMES SHOVELS USED IN DIGGING THE PANAMA CANAL

The shorter, faster and safer route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans improves economies of U.S. West Coast and nations around the Pacific Ocean.

1907
Cyclone Established

Leonard Chamber and William Thompson establish Cyclone to manufacture beekeeper hives and accessories. Today, Cyclone is an iconic brand in Australia’s garden and hardware industry.

1907
Union Tools Established

With financing from American Fork and Hoe, Union Fork and Hoe Company is created by merging The United States Tool Company and the Continental Tool Company. Its first catalog consists of 902 items.

1909
North Pole Discovered

AMES rugged shovels and tools forged the way on many of Admiral Robert Peary’s arctic explorations.

1914-1918
AMES SHOVELS USED BY SOLDIERS IN WWI

In World War I, soldiers survive rapid machine gun fire and hide from advancing troops in 8-foot deep trenches dug with AMES T-Handle Shovels.

1927-1941
AMES TOOLS USED IN CARVING MOUNT RUSHMORE
1929-1931
AMES shovels are used to build the foundation of the 103-story Empire State Building
1930
American Fork and Hoe Becomes Largest Hand Tool Manufacturer in the United States

Skelton Shovel Company patents the Solid Shank Shovel with the bend in the steel instead of the handle. Its convenient size and improved shape provide customers with a better grip. Skelton Shovel Company becomes American Fork and Hoe in Dunkirk, New York. With the acquisition of Kelly Axe and Tool and Skelton Shovel Company, American Fork and Hoe becomes the largest hand tool manufacturer in the United States. American Fork and Hoe later becomes True Temper.

1930
The Ames, Baldwin and Wyoming Company Formed

AMES merges with Baldwin Tool Works of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Wyoming Shovel Works of Pennsylvania and seven other companies.

1931-1935
THE HOOVER DAM CONSTRUCTED

Thousands of workers use AMES shovels and Jackson wheelbarrows to construct the Hoover Dam which prevents floods, provides irrigation water and produces electric power.

1932
AMES Expands

AMES expands production in Parkersburg, West Virginia to include hoes, rakes, forks and steel goods.

1933-1937
AMES TOOLS HELP BUILD THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
1936
Razor-Back Established

Union Fork and Hoe Company develops a thicker variable steel to create the Razor-Back shovel which, like the wild hog it’s named for, can uproot anything!

1941-1945
11 MILLION TRENCHING TOOLS FOR WWII

During World War II, AMES is honored twice with the Army–Navy “E” for Excellence in Wartime Production for providing 11 million entrenching tools along with armor tank plating and shell casings to our troops. American Fork and Hoe provides bayonets, shovels, snowshoes, and machetes. Union Fork and Hoe produce bayonets, cleaning tools, and Razor-Back shovels for use on military vehicles. Wood Shovel and Tool, which later becomes part of Union Fork & Hoe, provides entrenching tools along with AMES to the military.

1949
American Fork and Hoe officially changes its name to True Temper.
1950-1953
SOLDIERS IN KOREAN WAR USE AMES TRENCHING TOOLS

During World War II, AMES is honored twice with the Army–Navy “E” for Excellence in Wartime Production for providing 11 million entrenching tools along with armor tank plating and shell casings to our troops. American Fork and Hoe provides bayonets, shovels, snowshoes, and machetes. Union Fork and Hoe produce bayonets, cleaning tools, and Razor-Back shovels for use on military vehicles. Wood Shovel and Tool, which later becomes part of Union Fork & Hoe, provides entrenching tools along with AMES to the military.

1952
AMES Relocates

AMES production is completely transferred from Massachusetts to West Virginia and its name is changed to O. AMES COMPANY.

1955
True Temper Opens Anderson Plant

True Temper opens its Anderson plant in South Carolina to make fishing tackle. Eventually, the fishing business was sold to Shakespeare. By the 1980s, Anderson was part of the True Temper lawn and garden business. In 1994 True Temper consolidated the Anderson production to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

1956
AMES TOOLS HELP BUILD I-80
1957
True Temper opens the world’s largest garden tool manufacturing facility in Saybrook, Ohio
1960
AMES Purchases Douglas Products

AMES becomes a major force in the production of snow tools and hose reels.

1964-1968
AMES produces 1.6 million hand entrenching tools for the U.S. Army. This tool consists of a folding blade and pick with a hickory handle.
1966
The True Temper Ireland Facility, located in Cork, opens with its acquisition of Temple Michael Mills
1968
AMES ENTRENCHING TOOLS USED IN VIETNAM WAR

AMES creates a lightweight, high-strength aluminum entrenching tool that easily folds into a compact package. The Army orders 275,000 tools for soldiers fighting in Vietnam.

1972
Kelso and Wesbarrow Become Leader in Building Materials in Australia

With Kelso and Wesbarrow brands, founder Michael Cantone becomes a leading provider of building and construction materials in Australia. Wesbarrow was later sold and Westmix was established in 1991.

1973
AMES introduces the revolutionary Greensweeper poly head lawn rake which offers superior performance advantages over imported bamboo rakes
1974-1977
AMES SHOVELS USED TO CONSTRUCT TRANS-ALASKAN PIPELINE

Conquering frozen terrain, three mountain ranges and thirty rivers, AMES shovels play a crucial role constructing the 800-mile Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System needed to transport crude oil.

1979
AMES acquires The Keiser Manufacturing Company, creator of the famous Miracle Grass Shear
1981
True Temper headquarters move from Cleveland, Ohio to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
1981
True Temper acquires Jackson Manufacturing (Wheelbarrows)
1984
AMES LOPPER LAUNCHED INTO ORBIT ABOARD SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY, USED FOR SATELLITE RECOVERY
1988
AMES produces the first all poly hose reel
1991
AMES acquires Garant, Inc. Canada’s leading manufacturer of snow removal, construction and gardening tools which is headquartered in Quebec
1995
AMES joins U.S. Industries, a $3 billion multi-national conglomerate
1997
AMES acquires Woodings-Verona Tool Works and IXL Manufacturing Company
1998
True Temper acquires injection molder Lantz Manufacturing

Adds manufacturing of snow shovels, leaf rakes and decorative accessories.

1999
U.S. Industries acquires True Temper

True Temper, located in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania merges with AMES, located in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to form Ames True Temper.

2000
AMES True Temper Opens Facility In Carlisle, PA

Ames True Temper opens the distribution center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Today the facility is 1.2 million square feet.

2001-2006
AMES is a founding sponsor of The National Garden

Part of the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C, The National Garden highlights the amazing diversity of American plants providing “living laboratories” for environmental, horticultural and botanical education.

2002
A Year of Change for AMES True Temper

Ames True Temper is sold by U.S. Industries to Wind Point Partners, consolidates it’s headquarters to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and acquires Dynamic Design entering the planter market.

2003
Ames True Temper acquires Greenlife Products and Outdoor Inspirations in China.
2004
Ames True Temper provides tools for tribute garden

As a member of Remember Me Rose Gardens, AMES True Temper provides tools for the groundbreaking and planting of the living tribute to those who died on September 11th in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

2004
Wind Point Partners sells Ames True Temper to Castle Harlan
2010
Griffon Corporation purchases Ames True Temper
2010
Ames True Temper Expands in Australia

Ames True Temper acquires Westmix, a leading provider of cement mixers, wheel barrows and hand trolleys in Australia. The company brands are Westmix and Kelso.

2011
Ames True Temper expands its position in the planter market by acquiring Southern Patio
2011
The AMES Community Garden Wins An Award

AMES Community Garden receives the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Community Greening Award. The Camp Hill garden provides the community with a place to put down roots, learn about gardening and harvest nutritious food.

2014
AMES recognized by Industrial Designers Society of America

The AMES brand is recognized, in global competition, by Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) with an International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) for its Visual Brand Language Revitalization.

2014
Ames True Temper Becomes The Ames Companies, Inc. and Continues to Grow

The AMES Companies, Inc. increases its presence in Australia with the acquisition of Cyclone Tools. Brands include Cyclone, Nylex and Trojan. Additionally, they purchase Northcote Pottery in Australia and Consolidated Foam, adding to its capabilities in the planter market.

2017
The AMES Companies purchase ClosetMaid and enter into Home Organization
2017
The AMES Companies purchase Harper and enter into the Cleaning category

Company History

“Few American companies in business today have the privilege of celebrating 250 years playing such a critical role in building America. This extraordinary milestone reinforces our drive to continue building upon the AMES legacy of quality and innovation. It is also a testament to the strength and commitment of the AMES team members – thanks to their unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of consumers and professionals around the world, AMES continues to stand the test of time,” said Bill Glusing President of AMES.