About Us
About Us
Our History
It was 1922 in Chicago. August Wedekind—a carpenter and contractor—was talking to a friend that thought wallpaper was the “coming thing.” Taking his friend’s advice, August began manufacturing paste tables, trestles, and paste boards in his garage, and started selling them to local area hardware stores.
As the business grew, August built a 5,000 square foot building on the West side of Chicago: the current location of Advance Equipment Manufacturing Company. The larger space meant more machinery with which to create more tools. Products expanded to include: straight edges, seam rollers, casing knives, and wallpaper trimmers.
August’s son, Bill, joined the company in the early 1940’s and invented the first ever drywall taping knife. The product line grew again to include not only more wall covering tools, but tools for painters and decorators.
The business and Bill’s family grew proportionally. He and his wife, Mildred had four sons and a daughter. The boys, John and Paul, learned the business early on and joined the company full time. After Bill’s death, John took the helm. Now, his children, John R. and DeAnne, have become the fourth generation of Wedekinds to run the company.
In 1992, Advance Equipment purchased the Miramar Company—a wallcovering pasting machine manufacturer—and more products were added. The 2004 acquisition of Ramco Tools increased the pasting machine selection and added numerous hand tools to fill out several product lines.
The Advance Equipment line of high quality American-made tools has been recognized by the industry and is well regarded by professional contractors. Advance Equipment’s offerings to the trades have grown larger, facilities and manufacturing technology have expanded, and new innovative products are being developed. Today, Advance Equipment Manufacturing company sells to an ever-expanding North American and overseas market.
Commitment to Innovation
At Advance Equipment Manufacturing Co., we continue to expand our product offerings and enhance our manufacturing capabilities while staying true to our core values. Our commitment to American manufacturing and adaptability has made us a respected industry name.
Industry Leader
We've established ourselves as a leader in producing tools for drywall, wall covering, and painting industries. Our century of experience gives us unparalleled expertise in understanding professionals' needs. We offer a comprehensive product range from basic hand tools to sophisticated pasting machines. Key innovations include:
- Drywall taping knife (1940s)
- Paste-Mate heavy-duty paste machines
- QuickTruss door painting stands
Innovator
Innovation has driven our business since 1922. Recent product developments include:
- Semi-Automatic Even Flow Taping Banjo with curved belly design
- Corner Bead Applicator for streamlined installation
We've embraced modern manufacturing techniques, incorporating robotic equipment for precision and consistency. Our commitment to innovation extends to improving processes, enhancing customer service, and reducing environmental impact. We remain dedicated to driving industry innovation, always aiming to provide better solutions for the professionals who rely on our tools daily.
Made in the USA
At Advance Equipment Manufacturing Co., we've proudly maintained our commitment to American manufacturing since 1922. We produce all our high-quality tools and equipment for the drywall, wall covering, and painting industries in our Chicago facility. Our dedication to domestic production ensures superior quality control, supports our local economy, and allows us greater flexibility in meeting customer needs. By keeping our manufacturing in the USA, we continue to uphold the legacy of craftsmanship and innovation that has defined our company for over a century. This commitment has been integral to our success and growth over the past 100 years.
Advance Equipment Manufacturing Co.
Manufacturing Capabilities
At Advance Equipment Manufacturing Co., we've been a cornerstone in the production of drywall, wall covering, and painting tools since 1922. As the manufacturer behind many renowned industry brands, we've built a reputation for excellence in our Private Label program, thanks to our unwavering commitment to American manufacturing.
Our manufacturing capabilities are characterized by:
- Responsiveness: We employ lean manufacturing principles that allow us to swiftly adapt to customer needs.
- Flexibility: We efficiently handle both small and large orders with equal precision.
- Superior Quality: We maintain higher standards compared to offshore manufacturers.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Our utilization of robotic equipment ensures unparalleled precision and consistency in every product.
These strengths enable us to deliver high-quality tools that companies are proud to brand as their own. By combining our century of experience with modern manufacturing techniques, we continue to set the standard for quality and innovation in the tool manufacturing industry.
Products
Advance Equipment Manufacturing Co. offers a comprehensive range of high-quality tools for drywall, wall covering, and painting industries. As a family-owned American manufacturer since 1922, we have maintained our commitment to quality and craftsmanship for over a century.
Our Product Lines
We offer four main categories of innovative tools and equipment:
Drywall Tools
Our drywall line features a wide range of professional-grade tools, including:
- Corner trowels
- Drywall knives
- Floor/Wall Scrapers
- Mixers
- Mud pans
- Taping banjos
- Miscellaneous Drywall
Painting Tools
For painting professionals, we offer various specialized tools such as:
- Graining combs
- Rollers
- Spray shields
- Door painting stands
Wall Covering Tools
Our wall covering selection includes essential tools like:
- Seam rollers
- Straight edges
- Paste tables and boards
Pasting Machines
Our paste machine selection includes essential tools and accessories like:
- Measuring Counters
- Paste Mate Storage Cases
- Heavy Duty Paste Machines
- Pasting Machine Booking Tables
Each product category is further divided into subcategories, providing a detailed range of options to meet the diverse needs of construction and renovation professionals. At Advance Equipment, we're proud to continue our long-standing tradition of American manufacturing excellence.