Reed Manufacturing in Erie, Pa. is celebrating 125 years of supplying quality pipe tools and vises for the professional trades.
A Long History
Carl Reed, scion of one of Erie’s pioneer families, along with three partners, started the business in 1896. Reed started by manufacturing pipe wrenches and plumbing supplies. This is still the case, but today, the company also manufactures scales, bicycles, and laundry machinery. In 1902, Reuben Wright of Westfield, N.Y. (a mere 35 miles from Erie), who had created his fortune by selling supplies to Forty Niners during the Gold Rush and added to it with lumber interests, bought Reed Manufacturing and installed his sons to run the business. His great-great grandsons Scott (Company President and Chairman of the Board) and Mark (a Board Member) are actively involved with the company to this day.
Reed tools were used in the construction of the Panama Canal. Subsequently, in 1915, Reed bench vises were awarded a gold medal and Reed pipe dies received a bronze medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. A distantly related pair of Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, used a Reed vise in their Dayton bicycle/aviation shop.
The company was a defense contractor during both world wars, turning out stocks, dies, and pipe cutters in the Great War and wrenches, turbine buckets, and airplane engine mounts for World War II. Additionally, the Reed Shaw Machine for pressing collars was installed in all Navy ships and could be found in most commercial laundries across the United States. Reed was exporting from early in its existence with relationships in Europe and beyond.
Looking at Tomorrow Today
Today, Reed tools are used in over 100 countries. Still housed in the historic building at 1425 West 8th Street, Reed remains an Erie landmark.
From the company’s beginning, Reed associates have invented tools that continually become industry standards, including the Quick Release™ Tubing Cutter, various tools for plastic pipe, vises, and Hinged Pipe Cutters and Rotary Pipe Cutters.
Each year, Reed makes end-user driven improvements and refinements to existing tools. Recent tool additions include the Pump Stick® water transfer pump, Clean Ream Extreme® fitting reamers, Bevel Boss™ pipe beveler, Bear Hug™ squeeze tools, along with continuous improvements to long-standing tools. Reed takes pride in manufacturing high quality tools that provide lasting solutions.
The secret of Reed’s continuing, increasing success can be attributed to its corporate culture of excellence and the quality of its company associates, who are individually committed to exceptional performance and service. Over the past century and a quarter, Reed has worked tirelessly for the betterment of Erie County, through the United Way and its predecessor, the Community Chest. Reed and its employees have supported dozens of organizations in categories from the arts to scouting to reducing poverty to medical causes.
Reed people, products, and service will continue to excel: the company is forward-thinking and will continue to improve its customer offerings throughout each of its next 125 years. WW
Reed Manufacturing is exhibiting at ACE22, booth 21058. Learn more at www.reedmfgco.com.
Published in WaterWorld magazine, May 2022.
