The History of the Baldwin Name is the History of the Roller Chain

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Below is a throwback article from 1926 about the history of Baldwin Chain. Baldwin Chain was the initial product that led to the development of Baldwin Service Company in 1921. Today, of course, we are known as Baldwin Supply Company, have multiple locations around the Midwest, and have come a long way since a one-location storefront in Minneapolis.

Over thirty years (now 128 years) have passed since "Baldwin (Chain)" was born into commercial life. Since that time, the passing decades have witnessed the coming and growth of the automotive vehicle, the application of the chain drive to every conceivable commercial and industrial purpose, and the wonderful growth of its application in the power farming field.

It was in 1896 that "Baldwin (Chain)", as this company is usually referred to by the trade, was founded in a building which now appears so small when compared with the new up-to-date Baldwin Plant with its more than two acres of floor space all on one level. It was here that "Baldwin (Chain)" began the manufacture of block chains a chain that reached the zenith of its popularity during the old bicycle days. Three times during these thirty years (now 128 years) has Baldwin" been forced by growth to seek new and larger quarters, a testimonial to the substantial foundation of quality on which this business has been built.

The part "Baldwin (Chain)" has played in this development of the successful chain drive has been an important and earnest one, for "Baldwin (Chain)" throughout this whole development has been a pioneer-a seeker after newer and better ways in the power transmission field.

While this industry was still in its infancy, "Baldwin (Chain)" engineers, ever alert for new methods and material that would improve their product, became interested in the roller chains which had been developed in England and on the Continent some time previously. Samples of these chains were obtained, studied and tested, with the result that "Baldwin" engineers in 1900 developed the first roller chain ever manufactured in America.

It was this opportune development of roller chains that made it possible for Stanley, Haynes, Packard, Olds, Duryea and other pioneer car manufacturers to produce their first automobiles. Thus "Baldwin (Chain)" shared with these manufacturers the honor of Chain drive pioneering the automobile industry.

Since these pioneer days, the use and application of the chain drive has been extended greatly. With the coming of the tractor, the chain has been widely adopted as a final drive. Its extensive use on farm implements in the place of cast, or malleable iron chains is daily becoming more evident. In the industrial field, its use as a drive from shaft to shaft on machines or from prime mover to machines is firmly established, and as a conveyor of materials in industry of every description its use is daily increasing in scope and magnitude.

And so, "Baldwin (Chain)" looks back, 30 years (now 128 years) and more, to the beginnings of an industry, proud of its splendid development and grateful for the part it has been privileged to play in its growth.