American Metalcraft

Incorporated in the late 1940s by the late Archer Kahn, American Metalcraft got its start producing hubcaps used on the Tucker Torpedo (an automobile that was produced in Chicago during the 1940s). Over the next decade, American Metalcraft would eventually expand into making pizza pans becoming the first company to produce deep-dish Chicago-Style p... izza pans. Around this same time, American Metalcraft also began to produce custom stainless steel plate covers. By the late 1950s, the company expanded from its pizza pans and plate covers and began to sell copper shapes and bowls which sold primarily to copper enamelers. In 1961, Herbert Kahn succeeded his father as president of American Metalcraft becoming a second generation president and CEO. By then, American Metalcrafts product line began to grow even larger. The 1960s saw the company importing products from overseas thus allowing American Metalcraft to be competitive in the industry and keep prices low. The 1970s were a decade of strength. American Metalcrafts distribution center caught fire during the decade but the company was able to survive. Following the year of the fire, American Metalcraft had its most profitable year until that time. The 1980s saw the company prosper more than financially. The 1990s saw tremendous change for American Metalcraft. The late Herbert Kahn passed the reigns of American Metalcraft to his son David and daughter Susan Kahn Bank in 1995 transitioning to third-generation ownership. The company was able to expand from a 6,000 square foot facility in Chicago into a 120,000 square foot facility in west suburban Melrose Park. The product line at American Metalcraft also began to expand. While maintaining its historical core business of pizza supplies, bar supplies, and plate covers, the company was able to add many items in kitchen and tabletop and buffet supplies. The 1990s also saw the expansion of the number of employees from 40 to 80. The 2000s saw even more change for American Metalcraft. The company was able to successfully ...Read More