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Adams Campbell through the years.

A significant milestone came in 1929 with the introduction of our ACE Refrigeration Compressors, marking our entry into the refrigeration industry. During World War II, we proudly supported the nation’s efforts with 90% of our work dedicated to government projects.

The post-war era saw us diversifying our partnerships and products. In 1960, we entered a joint venture with Defoe and Raynolds Company for paint pump manufacturing, and in 1961, we began a lasting partnership with Bobrick Washroom Equipment Corporation. This collaboration led to the production of the B-352 vending machine in 1966. As we grew, we relocated to the City of Industry in 1981, setting the stage for further expansion.

The turn of the millennium brought changes in ownership, with the company transitioning to the Hobbs family, who continue to uphold the legacy of the Gabel-Shevlin lineage. Our commitment to quality was formally recognized in 2003 when we achieved ISO 9001 registration. In 2009, we celebrated our centennial year, a testament to our enduring presence in the industry. Most recently, in 2011, we implemented the Five S Program, further demonstrating our ongoing dedication to efficiency and quality.

a photo of employees in front of the adams campbell co 547 metal manufacturing facility circa 1909
a photo of employees in front of the adams campbell co.metal production facility circa 2024

TimelineThe History of Adams Campbell Co.

Adams Campbell is founded

Chester L. Adams and Chas. A. Campbell created Adams Campbell Company with a business focus for machine shop products consisting of “dies, tools, metal stampings, screw machine products and novelties.

1909

Adams Campbell Ltd is formed

C.A. Campbell, E.H.Hunt and R.A. Whitehead formed a new company of Adams Campbell Ltd., as equal partners.

December 27, 1912

Incorporated in California

Adams Campbell Ltd is incorporated in California.

January 7, 1913

A new partner

Thomas R Gabel becomes a partner in the company.

December 23, 1916

J.Lewis Gabel becomes member of the Board

J.Lewis Gabel becomes member of the Board. The company is owned in thirds by J. Lewis Gabel, Thomas R. Gabel and Henry P. Jones.

February 17, 1920

ACE Refrigeration Compressors

Adams Campbell developed proprietary commercial and domestic refrigeration condensing units and marketed these units under the trade mane of ACE Refrigeration Compressors.

1929

Sole ownership

Thomas R Gabel dies leaving J. Lewis Gabel sole owner and President of Adams Campbell.

1935

Government contracts

Ninety (90%) percent of the work is with the Government.

1944

A new collaboration

Defoe and Raynolds Company collaborated with Adams Campbell for a joint venture on a paint pump. Adams Campbell held exclusive manufacturing rights.

June 8, 1960

Our first business

Bobrick Washroom Equipment Corporation gave Adams Campbell their first business.

1961

New production

Began production of the B-352 vending machine for Bobrick.

September 1966

A new owner

J. Lewis Gabel dies leaving Edna K. Gabel (spouse) sole owner of Adams Campbell.

December 1966

Ownership change

Edna K. Gable dies leaving her daughter, Barbara Gabel Shevlin sole owner.

December 1981

A new location

Business moves to the City of Industry November 1992.

November 1992

Present ownership

Barbara G. Shevlin dies. Present ownership is the result of direct decent from the Gabel family to the Shevlin family to the Hobbs family.

October 2000

ISO 9001

Adams Campbell becomes ISO 9001 registered.

December 2003

Accént Ceilings launches

Accént Ceilings launches as Adams Campbell's innovative ceiling and wall system, offering architects, contractors, and clients a flexible, cost-effective solution engineered for all environments through its unique, patented design.

July 2004

100th Birthday

Adams Campbell turns 100.

2009

LEAN Manufacturing

Adams Campbell begins adopting the Toyota Production System (LEAN) philosophy, starting with the implementation of the 5S workplace organization methodology.

January 2011
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