The French Oil Mill Machinery Company Celebrates 125 Years

The French Oil Mill Machinery Company marked its 125th anniversary, celebrating a rare legacy of continuous family ownership and manufacturing innovation. Founded in 1900 by Alfred Willard French, Sr., the company has grown from a pioneering engineering endeavour into a global manufacturer of custom hydraulic presses and processing equipment used across the composite, laminate, oilseed, plastic, and rubber industries.

To celebrate the occasion, the company hosted a private open house on Wednesday, May 21, at its Piqua, Ohio, headquarters and manufacturing facility, where operations have continued for more than a century. Invited guests included company leadership, employees and their families, shareholders, and special partners who gathered to honour the company’s rich history and ongoing commitment to innovation and global impact.

The event featured a reception, self-guided tours of the manufacturing operations, and a debut of the company’s history museum, a permanent exhibit of artifacts, photographs, and machinery that helped shape the global oilseed and rubber industries. In addition, guests were able to view a recently commissioned portrait honoring the late Chairman and CEO, Daniel P. French, who passed away in 2023 after more than fifty years of service and leadership.

Tayte French Lutz, Chairman of the Board and CEO, said:

“Less than one percent of businesses founded in 1900 are still operating today, and fewer than 3% of family businesses reach a fourth generation of leadership. That perspective makes this milestone especially meaningful for our family, our employees, our shareholders and the Piqua community that has supported us for 125 years.”

Founded on the principles of progressive thinking, inspired creativity, and a strong work ethic, French is true to its mission: “We make machines to make people’s lives better.” The company has supported customers in more than 80 countries across diverse industries, including aerospace, defense, food, medical, sporting goods, sustainable energy, and more.

Still proudly headquartered in Piqua, the company continues to drive innovation with the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship established at its founding. Over the decades, the company has been awarded numerous patents, contributed to wartime efforts, and received prestigious honours, including the President’s “E” and “E” Star Awards for Exports.

The 125th Anniversary Open House was a celebration not only of French’s history, continuous innovation, and leadership, but of the employees, global customers, and community who have helped write its story.

“Our legacy is written in steel, precision, and perseverance,” added Lutz. “But our greatest legacy is not behind us, it lies in the future we continue to shape.”

About French Oil Mill Machinery Company

Founded in 1900 and headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, The French Oil Mill Machinery Company is a custom equipment manufacturer serving the composite, lamination, rubber, and oilseed industries. Known for quality, innovation, and engineering excellence, French delivers value-driven solutions that support industrial progress around the world.

Top Photo: Tayte French Lutz looking at a photo of Daniel French.