History
French Oil Mill Machinery Company has thrived for over a century as a testament to innovation, resilience, and family values. Established in the year 1900, our company has remained steadfastly family-owned and operated, embodying a commitment to excellence that has transcended generations.
Over the decades, we have evolved from our humble beginnings into a global leader in the field of hydraulic presses, oilseed processing and industrial equipment manufacturing. Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the remarkable history of the French Oil Mill Machinery Company, exploring the milestones, innovations, and enduring spirit that have shaped us into the industry powerhouse we are today.
Respecting Our Past - Challenging the Future
Alfred Willard French Sr. patented an automatic (revolving) cake-cutting machine to trim off the high oil bearing ends and sides of linseed oil cake so they could be recycled to yield more oil.
The French Oil Mill Machinery Company (FOMMCO) was incorporated on May 25 by AWF Sr., William Cook Rogers, and Myron E. Barber in Piqua, Ohio. Barber and Rogers were the owners and principal officers of the Piqua Handle Manufacturing Company. Two assemblers were hired and the Company sold $12,000 worth of equipment in the first six months.
FOMMCO constructed its own factory building at the west end of Ash Street. The structure was a brick plant 55 feet by 100 feet. By 1909 The growing company added another building and a brick foundry to enable the Company to create, cast and assemble all of its own products.
FOMMCO began exporting equipment to Canada, Great Britain, Germany and Norway. By 1919 FOMMCO equipment had been exported to every continent except Antarctica.
AWF Sr. and his wife, Grace Albers French, traveled around the world on a business trip to Hawaii, China, the Philippines, Java, India, Egypt (pictured) and Europe. General manager C. B. Upton oversaw the Company’s daily business.
The Company began producing hydraulic presses for steel, die sinking, rubber, and bakelite (plastic) molding.
Mrs. Grace Albers French assumed the role of company President, with the support of General Manager Charles B. Upton, following her husband’s unfortunate passing. AWF Sr. tragically passed away on a business trip in Los Angeles, California due to an automobile accident. AWF Jr. transitioned to full-time involvement in the company following his graduation from MIT in 1926.
FOMMCO began manufacturing mechanical screw presses to continuously extract oil from seeds.
French’s first mechanical screw press for dewatering synthetic rubber was designed and sold to Firestone Synthetic Rubber Co. in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Alfred Willard French Jr. became President; Grace French, Honorary Chairman of the Board. AWF Jr. was later elected Chairman of the Board in 1979 after the death of C. B. Upton.
Daniel P. French, the son of AWF Jr., ascended to the position of President, eventually assuming the role of CEO in 1985. DPF’s journey with the company began in 1971, initially serving as a machinist. Through hard work and dedication, he steadily climbed the ranks, securing several promotions including roles as assistant foreman, cost accountant, and purchasing manager.
The oilseed solvent extraction technologies were sold and licensed to the DeSmet Group of Belgium. The Company refocused on the rubber business.
French acquired Technical Machine Products, Inc., a hydraulic press and rubber mixer manufacturer in Cleveland, Ohio. The products were later rebranded as TMP, A Division of French and the operation moved to FOMMCO’s Piqua headquarters in 2012.
FOM (Shanghai) Company, Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned enterprise of The French Oil Mill Machinery Company, opened in Shanghai, China. The facility allows French to provide the Chinese oilseed and polymer processing markets with Chinese-manufactured machinery or imported machinery, as desired by the customers.
FOMMCO receives the President’s “E” Star Award for Exports by U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary John Bryson at the White House in Washington, DC. The “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. French was awarded their first President’s “E” Award in 1984.
Jason P. McDaniel promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer, succeeding Daniel Phelps French who served 31 years as President. Mr. French continued with the business as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Also at the French annual stockholders meeting, Tayte French Lutz was elected to serve on the company’s Board of Directors.
The company expanded their machining capability with the investment in three new CNC machine tools: a bridge milling machine, a vertical turning lathe and a horizontal machining center.
FOMMCO acquired T. H. T. Presses, Inc., a leading manufacturer of rotor die casting machinery and equipment, located in Vandalia, Ohio.
FOMMCO Board of Directors elects Tayte French Lutz Chairman of the Board and CEO. She is the fourth generation of French family leadership.