The major advantage of a history that covers more than a century is the tradition it builds.

Baker Manufacturing began with the idea of a rotary steam engine. It was an imaginative concept that had to be quickly abandoned. It just was not economical. In a flash the engines were gone, a new foundry built and the company went into iron pumps and wooden windmills. So began a solid tradition of experimentation, sensible decision-making – and a rapid strategic response to market needs.

As the company grew, it turned its talent for innovation toward a steady stream of new products under the “Monitor” name, which is still in use. By 1880 the Company advertised “all kinds” of foundry and machine work, and it added rotary feed grinders and wood saws to its product list. Then came large cylinder pumps, pine water tanks, a triangle-drive rotary windmill and a steam generator.

In response to the demands of a changing world, Baker produced both standard, essential products and extraordinary experiments. The experiments included: a course variant sight for anti-aircraft guns; a combat tank that could jump; and a hydrofoil system in 1952 (called “High Pockets”) which lifted military landing craft out of the water for greater speed, regarded as “the Navy’s first major hydrofoil success.”

Since that time, we’ve continued to grow, change and redirect our operations while maintaining our commitment to the best standards of quality work. New research plus new molding and core production processes make possible a wider range of custom work, precise production to specifications, quick delivery of prototype requests, large and small volume production, and excellent surface and finish appearance.

Today, manufacturers world-wide are being called upon to learn flexibility and innovation – to redirect themselves toward post-cold-war goals. Clearly, we are already prepared. Such skills are the substance of our tradition. We are ready to serve the 21st Century.