The French Oil Mill Machinery Company has marked its 125th anniversary, 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 and rubber industries.
To celebrate the occasion, the company recently hosted a private open house at its Piqua, OH, 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 a debut of the company's history museum, a permanent exhibit of artifacts, photographs and machinery that helped shape the global oilseed and rubber industries. In addition, guests were able to view a recently commissioned portrait honoring the late Chairman and CEO, Daniel P. French, who passed away in 2023 after more than 50 years of service and leadership.
"Less than 1% 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."
The company has supported customers in more than 80 countries across diverse industries, including aerospace, defense, food, medical, sporting goods, sustainable energy and more.
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.
For more information contact:
French Oil Mill Machinery Company
1035 West Greene St.
Piqua, OH 45356
937-773-3420
polymersales@frenchoil.com