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The French Oil Mill Machinery Company, a manufacturer of hydraulic vacuum lamination presses, marked its 125th anniversary this week, celebrating a rare legacy of continuous family ownership and manufacturing innovation. Founded in 1900 by Alfred Willard French, Sr., the company has grown from a pioneering engineering endeavor into a global manufacturer of custom hydraulic presses and processing equipment used across the composite, laminate, oilseed, plastic, circuit board manufacturing, and rubber industries.
To celebrate the occasion, the company hosted a private open house on Wednesday, May 21, at its Piqua, Ohio, headquarters and manufacturing facility, where operations have continued for more than a century. Invited guests included company leadership, employees and their families, shareholders, and special partners who gathered to honor the company’s rich history and ongoing commitment to innovation and global impact.
The event featured a reception, self-guided tours of the manufacturing operations, and the debut of the company’s history museum, a permanent exhibit of artifacts, photographs, and machinery that helped shape the global oilseed and rubber industries. Guests also viewed equipment engineered for advanced circuit board lamination applications, reflecting French’s ongoing role in supplying high-performance hydraulic presses to the electronics manufacturing sector. In addition, attendees were able to see a recently commissioned portrait honoring the late Chairman and CEO, Daniel P. French, who passed away in 2023 after more than fifty years of service and leadership.
“Less than one percent of businesses founded in 1900 are still operating today, and fewer than 3% of family businesses reach a fourth generation of leadership,” said Tayte French Lutz, Chairman of the Board and CEO. “That perspective makes this milestone especially meaningful for our family, our employees, our shareholders and the Piqua community that has supported us for 125 years.”
Founded on the principles of progressive thinking, inspired creativity, and a strong work ethic, French is true to its mission: “We make machines to make people’s lives better.” The company has supported customers in more than 80 countries across diverse industries, including aerospace, defense, food, medical, sporting goods, sustainable energy, and more.
Still proudly headquartered in Piqua, the company continues to drive innovation with the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship established at its founding. Over the decades, the company has been awarded numerous patents, contributed to wartime efforts, and received prestigious honors, including the President’s “E” and “E” Star Awards for Exports.
The 125th Anniversary Open House was a celebration not only of French’s history, continuous innovation, and leadership, but of the employees, global customers, and community who have helped write its story.
“Our legacy is written in steel, precision, and perseverance,” added Lutz. “But our greatest legacy is not behind us, it lies in the future we continue to shape.”
