Over a century of American Engineering & Manufacturing
At AMB, we proudly carry forward a legacy of American manufacturing excellence. With over 100 years of industry experience, we are dedicated to delivering superior quality and precision in every product we make. From our early beginnings to our role in national defense today, our legacy stands as a testament to the enduring values of excellence and reliability that continue to drive us forward.
Over a century of American Engineering & Manufacturing
At American Metal Bearing, we take pride in our long-standing tradition of American manufacturing excellence. With over a century of experience in the industry, our commitment to quality and precision is unrivaled. Our heritage of craftsmanship and innovation ensures that every product we deliver meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Humble Beginnings
American Metal Bearing Company (AMB) began its journey in 1921, founded by Mr. Wyllis at the intersection of 3rd Street and Central Avenue in Los Angeles. At the time, our core business was rebabbitting automotive bearings, serving truck fleet operators, and notable customers like Pickwick Stages, known today as Greyhound Bus, and Western Auto Supply Co., which regularly purchased hundreds of bearings for Ford Model T connecting rods each month.
The company's founder developed and manufactured an advanced connecting rod and bearing specifically designed for Duesenberg’s legendary race cars. Building on this expertise, we later produced specialized bearings for Harry Miller racing engines, proving our capability to deliver precision-engineered components capable of withstanding the intense demands of competitive racing.
This pioneering spirit set the foundation for AMB's enduring legacy of quality, reliability, and performance in bearing manufacturing.
Maritime & Diesel Engine Markets
By the 1930’s AMB relocated to a larger facility at 6th and Alameda Street in Los Anageles. Here, we introduced our proprietary "Weld-Tite" babbitting process, a meticulous technique for securely bonding babbitt metal to bronze, steel, or cast iron. This innovation quickly positioned American Metal Bearing Company as a crucial partner in the petroleum industry, addressing critical issues faced by oil companies experiencing babbitt metal failures in their engine bearings. With our Weld-Tite process, we confidently guaranteed 35,000 operating hours for crank pin bearings and 50,000 hours for main bearings, driving rapid growth and prosperity for the company.
From Underdog to Key Role In World War II
The onset of World War II led to significant facility expansions, and we swiftly began fulfilling large-scale orders for marine line shaft bearings. Among our initial contributions to the war effort were 50 shipsets of line shaft bearings destined for lend/lease ships bound for England. Throughout the war, we manufactured over 7,000 line shaft bearings for cargo and naval vessels. This photo shows just eight of twenty five car loads of AMB’s Weldtite Lineshaft Bearings used in the construction of 531 Victory class ships.
Product Line Expansion
Post World War II, AMB’s products were used on most of the US Navy’s large surface combatant programs. Frigates, destroyers, amphibious transport docks, and nuclear submarines all utilized AMB components within their propulsion systems. AMB had expanded its engineering services and began working with prime contractors for their propulsion system needs. In April of 1973, the company moved from its down Los Angeles location to its current location in Garden Grove. By this time, production of marine bearings for commercial and military applications dominated our sales efforts.
Meeting Modern Day Demands
AMB currently operates out of its 50,000 sqft advanced manufacturing facility in Garden Grove, California. We’re able to provide a full range of design and engineering services, applied research and prototyping, and contract manufacturing services.