Machine Tool Builders, Inc. in no way represents or sells new Barber Colman Machinery or Products. We do however service, repair, resell, rebuild and re-control used machines or customer owned equipment.
Beginnings: The Barber Colman company didn’t take long to burst on the scene when it came to Rockford IL in the early 1900s. The company was responsible for several innovations in the textile business including a hand knotter and wrap tying machine.
The company saw major strides and growth both internationally and in the IL/WI State line Area. Along with multiple factories overseas, Barber Colman developed more facilities in Loves Park IL in the 1950s. At it’s height, Barber Colman had 150 locations and employed thousands of people.
The company was sold off after Walter Colman (son of the company’s founder, Howard Colman) passed away in 1983.
Post Colman ownership: The name changed, but work was still moving along at Rockford’s South Main campus for nearly another two decades after the sale.
Reed-Chatwood bought the property and kept operations going for several years. As the company struggled in the 1990s, it leased out space for offices, but eventually, Reed-Chatwood put the building up for sale which Rockford bought in 2002.
Here at MTB we continue the Barber Colman legacy with ongoing support plus some parts availability for these legacy platforms. We support both the original mechanical versions of these machines as well as the 2nd generation of these modified into CNC machines by a local Rockford Company using primarily NUM CNC equipment.
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