Company Profile
Company Overview
Three M Tool has been a leader in fabricated metal products for several industries around the world. For over 60 years, we have provided innovative manufacturing, creative product development, and excellent customer service.
Company History
During World War II, Willis Michaels ran the Red Lion Tool Company, a machine shop producing defense equipment. As the war began winding down, Michaels started planning for the post war period. In 1944, he formed a new Company of his own to design and build stamping dies. Together Willis Michaels, his wife Ruth Michaels, and his nephew Raymond Melhorn became the three “M’s” in Three M Tool and Die Corporation. The Company bought a building near the corner of King’s Mill Road and South Penn Street.
In the mid 1950’s, Three M Tool began to extend beyond making and repairing stamping dies for outside companies into actually running the dies to make production parts. Three M Tool worked closely with local companies, such as Acco Chain, Campbell Chain, and Berg Electronics to develop stamping dies to make metal spools.
Early in the 1960’s, Acco Chain asked Three M Tool to develop and manufacture chain cutters for their retail chain displays. From this effort came the first models of the 61 and 64 cutters. These early models have evolved and expanded into our current line of chain and cable cutters.
On New Years’ Eve, at the end of 1970, the scrap tire processing plant on King’s Mill Road caught fire and quickly spread to the Three M plant. Before the fire was under control, the roof of the Three M building had collapsed and everything inside was badly scorched. To the extent possible, the employees cleaned and repaired the heavy steel machinery and stamping dies. The usable production tooling was transferred to York Corrugating’s stamping shop to continue production almost uninterrupted. Three M then moved to its present building on Elm Street with the repaired or replaced machinery, and within three months of the New Year’s Eve fire, the Company was producing products at the new location.
In 1983, Austin Hunt Jr. purchased the Company from the founders. The focus of the Company continued to move away from outside tool and die work toward expanding the sales of finished products. This move resulted in a stronger customer base and higher sales volume.
In 2000, Austin Hunt 3rd purchased the Company from his father. Under his leadership, the Company has continued to grow in both existing and new product lines.
A line of high quality wire products and baskets was added with the purchase of Liberty Machine Company in 2002. In addition, 2003 brought with it the acquisition of Acrometal stamped aluminum process spools, which expanded the current line of metal spools. Chain and cable cutter sales and support continue to remain strong today.