HISTORY
It was 1922. In Chicago, August Wedekind, a carpenter and contractor was talking to a friend who said that he thought that wallpaper was the “coming thing”, and that August should start manufacturing tools for that market. Taking his friend’s advice, August began manufacturing paste tables, trestles, and paste boards in his garage, and started selling them to local area hardware stores.
As the business grew, August found that he needed more space and built a 5,000 square foot building, on the West side of Chicago, which today, is still the current location of Advance Equipment Manufacturing Company. The larger space meant additional machinery with which to create more tools. Products were expanded to include items such as straight edges, seam rollers, casing knives and wallpaper trimmers.
August’s son, Bill, joined the company in the early 1940’s and invented the drywall taping knife, the first of its kind. The product line grew again to include not only more wallcovering tools, but tools for painters and decorators.
The business and Bill’s family grew proportionally. He and his wife, Mildred had four sons and a daughter. The boys (John and Paul) became involved with the company and learned the business. After Bill’s death, John, his oldest son, took the helm and now his children (John R. and DeAnne), have become the fourth generation of Wedekinds to run
the company.
In 1992, Advance Equipment purchased the Miramar Company - a wallcovering pasting machine manufacturer, and, more products were added.
The 2004 acquisition of Ramco Tools, added additional pasting machines, and various hand tools to fill out the product line.
The Advance Equipment line of high quality American-made tools has been recognized by the industry, and is well regarded by professional contractors. Advance Equipment’s offerings to the trades have grown larger, facilities and manufacturing technology have expanded, and new innovative products are being developed. Today, Advance Equipment Manufacturing company sells to a market which includes not only the United States, but Canada, Mexico, and a growing overseas market.
MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES
Advance has been manufacturing tools for drywall, wallcovering, and painting since 1922. Over the years we have been the manufacturer "behind the scenes" of many of the industries most recognized brands. We are able to offer such a great Private Label program because we manufacturer right here in the United States, and have been doing it for so long. Companies trust Advance to deliver high quality tools, tools they are proud to put their name on.
- Our process based on lean manufacturing principles allows us to be responsive to our customers requirements
- Flexible enough to handle small or large orders quickly and efficiently
- An economic solution to Private Labeling a domestic product
- Higher quality than typical offshore manufacturing
- Robotic equipment for utmost precision and accuracy every time
