A Legacy of American Manufacturing Excellence Since 1874
Founded in Barre, Massachusetts, Chas. G. Allen, Inc. has proudly served the American manufacturing industry for over 150 years. Established by Charles G. Allen, a local educator, Harvard-trained physician, and Civil War veteran, the company has built a lasting legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and engineering excellence.
After serving as an assistant surgeon in the 53rd Regiment and the 34th Massachusetts Infantry, Charles Allen returned home and turned his focus to invention and manufacturing. In 1873, in partnership with Charles Lufkin, he developed the original “Yankee” horse-drawn hay rake. The success of the initial 200-unit production run, launched in April 1874, marked the company’s entry into the market.
By the following year, Allen had assumed full ownership and expanded the product line with early agricultural innovations like the “Victor” swivel plow and the “Little Giant” rock puller—tools that would form the foundation of a multigenerational engineering business.
Following Charles Allen’s death in 1896, his eldest son, Harding Allen, took the reins and steered the company toward precision machine tools. In 1904, working alongside his MIT-trained brother Clarence Allen, they developed the company’s first Allen drilling machine, earning national recognition for its performance and durability.
Throughout the 20th century, Chas. G. Allen, Inc. grew its footprint in U.S. manufacturing, becoming synonymous with innovation and quality. During World War II, the company was awarded the prestigious Army/Navy “E” Award for excellence in wartime production, shipping over 100 machines per week and employing more than 700 workers at its peak.
In the 1950s, Allen expanded into custom automated systems for high-volume manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector. These multi-station, application-specific machines remained in high demand until the rise of CNC technology in the 1980s.
As market demands evolved, the company diversified into contract manufacturing, designing and building innovative systems such as:
Band saw blade welding machines
High-speed robotics
Hot stamp presses
Wastewater treatment shredders
Solar panel crystal-growth furnaces
In the early 2000s, Allen acquired the Harper finishing machine product line, continuing production of advanced mass finishing and custom polishing systems.
In 2006, Chas. G. Allen, Inc. entered a new chapter, expanding into pump repair and field services for the power generation industry, including nuclear and fossil fuel facilities across the United States and abroad.
Continuing a Tradition of Innovation
Today, Chas. G. Allen, Inc. is a leader in precision machining, custom equipment, pump systems, and field service solutions. Our commitment to engineering excellence, responsive service, and American-made quality continues to drive our work, more than 150 years after it all began in a small Massachusetts workshop.