HISTORY OF AMERICAN COIL SPRING COMPANY


Albert Bitzer
1923 - 1927
FOUNDING FATHERS
Edward Bitzer
1927 - 1958
The American Coil Spring Company was founded by brothers Albert and Edward Bitzer and was incorporated on March 27, 1923, with the purchase of Mechanical Steel Spring Company of Chicago. Albert Bitzer was the first Company president until Edward bought out his interest four years later.

On September 22, 1928, it was decided to build a plant in Muskegon due to the Company's association with the expanding automotive market and the fact that two plants were desired so operations could be specialized. American Coil Spring acquired the Monarch Steel Treating Company of Chicago in order to do its own heat-treating. This operation was brought to Muskegon with the production department.

 

During construction of the new building in Muskegon, a severe storm destroyed it. The plant was rebuilt and in operation several months later. Both the Muskegon and Chicago plants were in operation together for two years.
When the Depression came, one of the plants had to be closed. In July 1930 all Chicago operations were transferred to Muskegon. The Muskegon plant was kept in operation during that period with the determination and effort of the employees.
With the onset of World War II, American Coil Spring began producing war materials. When the war ended and the Company changed back to non-war production, it was decided to expand the Muskegon plant rather than move any operations back to Chicago.
In 1958, after the death of Edward Bitzer, Harry Bitzer became president of the Company. The Company has experienced two ownership changes since then. In 1989 investors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Lee Palmer and Jack Stein) purchased American Coil Spring Company. Then on June 13, 1997, the Hines Corporation of Muskegon acquired the Company. Larry Hines, President and CEO of Hines Corporation, focuses on growing the Corporation by improving operations and acquiring additional add-on companies. American Coil Spring's leadership team is aggressively pursuing additional business with current and new customers.

Harry Bitzer
1958 - 1973

American Coil Spring Company now operates within a 120,000 square foot facility and produces over 6,000 different types and sizes of spring products. American Coil Spring is known for the design, engineering, and manufacture of precision springs, assemblies, and wire forms for any specific job our customers may have. American Coil Spring's growth and success is attributed to the dedication and creativity of our people.



Timeline

1923
 On March 27, 1923, American Coil Spring Company (ACS) is incorporated as an Illinois corporation. The Company is founded by Albert H. Bitzer and his brother, Edward W. Bitzer, along with Frank Kress, Sr., with the purchase of the Mechanical Steel Spring Company in Chicago. Albert is the first president of the Company, which employed only 15 people. Edward purchases Albert's interest in the Company four years later, March 9, 1927.
1928
 Plans are made to build a 20,000 square foot plant in Muskegon, Michigan. The Company absorbs Monarch Steel Treating Co. of Chicago in order to do its own heat-treating and brings this operation to Muskegon with the Production Department.
1930
 The Great Depression forces the closing of the original Chicago plant. In July 1930 all Chicago operations are transferred to Muskegon. In the ensuing years, following World War II, the plant is expanded to over 120,000 square feet with several additions made to the existing structure.
1951
 On June 30, 1951, a Plan of Reorganization is adopted and American Coil Spring Company, an Illinois corporation, is dissolved and liquidated, being transferred to American Coil Spring Company, a Delaware corporation.
1979
 On April 17, 1979, Carolina Spring Company, a subsidiary company of ACS, opens in Anderson, South Carolina.
1989
 The Bitzer family sells their interest in the Company to investors in Milwaukee (Lee Palmer and Jack Stein).
1991
 In November 1991 Carolina Spring Company, Anderson, South Carolina, is closed and all operations are returned to Muskegon.
1997
 On June 13, 1997, Hines Corporation of Muskegon acquires ACS, and the Company returns to local West Michigan ownership.

On October 24, 1997, ACS attains ISO-9002, QS-9000 certification.
2001
 On May 11, 2001, ACS/Hines Corporation acquires the assets of North American Spring & Stamping Corporation, a Division of Hilite Industries, in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. All assets are transferred to Muskegon.
2003
 On January 9, 2003, Hines Corporation announces the formation of CCS Trading Company, LLC, a sister company to ACS, in an effort to source product and manufacture a variety of springs and other identifiable stampings in China.



American Coil Spring Company
TEL: (231) 726-4021
FAX: (231) 726-2206
info@americancoil.com
Ship to Address:
1041 E. Keating Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49442
Mail to Address:
1041 E. Keating Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49442