Our History: Innovating American Manufacturing Since 1874
Founded in 1874 in Barre, Massachusetts, Chas. G. Allen, Inc. has proudly served the American manufacturing industry for over 150 years. The company was established by Charles G. Allen, a local educator, Harvard-trained physician, and Civil War veteran.
After returning from service in the 53rd Regiment and the 34th Massachusetts Infantry as an assistant surgeon, Allen shifted his focus to invention and manufacturing.
In 1873, in collaboration with Charles Lufkin, Allen developed the original “Yankee” horse-drawn hay rake. The first production run of 200 rakes launched the company in April 1874. By the following year, Allen had acquired full ownership and expanded the product line to include the “Victor” swivel plow and the “Little Giant” rock puller, early innovations that laid the foundation for generations of engineering excellence.
After Allen’s death in 1896, his eldest son, Harding Allen, took over the business and shifted its focus to precision machine tools. In 1904, alongside his MIT-trained brother Clarence Allen, they developed the first Allen drilling machine, quickly earning a national reputation for performance and reliability.
Throughout the 20th century, Chas. G. Allen, Inc. expanded its role in American manufacturing, earning national recognition for its commitment to innovation and quality.
During World War II, the company was honored with the Army/Navy “E” Award for excellence in wartime production, shipping more than 100 machines per week and employing 700 people at its peak.
In the 1950s, Allen began designing and building custom automated systems for high-volume manufacturing, particularly for the automotive industry. These multi-station machines were engineered for specific applications and remained in high demand until the introduction of CNC technologies in the 1980s.
As market needs evolved, Allen expanded into contract manufacturing, producing 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 2000s, Allen acquired the Harper finishing machine product line, continuing production of mass finishing and custom polishing machines.
In 2006, the company entered a new era by expanding into pump repair and field service for the power generation industry—supporting both fossil fuel and nuclear facilities across the U.S. and beyond.
Today, Chas. G. Allen, Inc. remains a trusted name in precision machining, custom equipment, field service, and engineered solutions, continuing a legacy of American innovation that began in a small town in Massachusetts in 1874.