About Us - History

We invented the first practical hydraulic press brake during World War II. After World War II, huge structures were needed to test rocket engines – Pacific answered the call with the first hydraulic press brakes that formed the assemblies used in these structures. In the years that followed, hydraulic brakes were recognized as a safer and more versatile alternative to mechanical brakes, with Pacific growing rapidly and continuing to pioneer the development of hydraulics and new technologies in the forming and fabrication industry.

Our machines are well known throughout the world for their legendary reliability and durability, many of which continued to operate forty years or more.

Today, we are known as a leader in hydraulic press brakes, shears and presses in North America, manufacturing the broadest range of metalforming equipment available.

Take a look at our proud legacy on the timeline below.

• Pacific Firsts

  • First hydraulic press brakes
  • First computer controlled servo-hydraulic press for composite molding
  • World’s largest plate shear (G-Series 36’) capable of cutting one and a half inch steel plate

• Our Proud Legacy

  Historical Timeline
  • 1945 - Founded Oakland, California Pacific Industrial Manufacturing Company
  • 1945 - First US company to manufacture a hydraulic press brake
  • 1955 - Set up manufacturing in Mount Carmel, IL
  • 1955 - Pacific engineers and manufactures it's first hydraulic shear
  • 1979 - Manufactured a K-1250-40 press brake
  • 1980 - Manufactures a 2000 ton D series straight side press
  • 1981 - Manufactured a K-3000-27 press brake
  • 1981 - Manufactured 1000 ton tandems 25' and 27'
  • 1985 - Manufactured the first CNC servo hydraulic press brake in the US
  • 1986 - Pacific delivers a 2000 ton press brake to China
  • 1987 - Manufactured the first high speed servo press for composite molding
  • 1989 - Manufactured a 1250 ton CNC brake with graphics, mult axis back gauge, and crowning
  • 1992 - Manufactured a series of up acting compression molding presses for a leading manufacturer of golf balls
  • 1993 - Manufactured a 1.75" x 36' shear
  • 1993 - Manufactured a series of 4-post presses for hybrid masonry dewatering process
  • 1998 - Manufactured a 14 press sytem for a leading chain manufacturer
  • 1999 - Manufactured a 4000 ton rubber molding press
  • 1999 - Manufactured a 2000 ton window press for the metal door industry (5 total)
  • 1999 - Manufactured 14 custom brakes designed for punching for a leading trailer company
  • 2000 - Manufactured a series of CNC wide platen press brakes designed for punching for a leading computer enclosurer manufacturer
  • 2000 - Manufactures a set of FK-750-25 tandems with automation to manufacture light poles
  • 2000 - Manufactures a FK-2000-34 brake and 3/4" x 36 foot shear
  • 2000 - Builds a 1250 ton hydro forming system for a leading automotive supplier
  • 2000 - Manufactures a 400 ton bulldozer with automation
  • 2001 - Manufactures a FK-1500-27 set of tandems with plate automation
  • 2002 - Manufactures a 1400-D 10-60 Press
  • 2002 - Manufactures a set of FK-1000-28 tandems with automation
  • 2005 - Manufactures a 500-OBM and 750-OBM
  • 2006 - Manufactures a 2500 ton x 60' tandem pole system
  • 2006 - Manufactures a 2000 ton x 50' tandem pole system
  • 2007 - Manufactures a 2500 ton x 60' tandem pole system
  • 2007 - Manufactures a 1400 D-10-72 straight side press
  • 2007 - Manufactures a FK-2500-26 press brake
  • 2007 - Manufactures a FK-1500-45' CNC press brake with a patented corrugation die
  • 2007 - Manufactures a FK-1750-40' CNC press brake
  • 2008 - Manufactures 2 - 1000 ton CNC straight side presses for diffusioin bonding titanium jet engine compressor blades
  • 2008 - Manufactures a FK-2000-45' press brake
  • 2008 - Manufactures a 1250 ton bulldozer press
  • 2008 - Manufactures a 1000-OBM-60 x 60 press
  • 2009 - Manufactures 2 CNC transformer sizing press
  • 2009 - Manufactures 2 FK-1500-25' press brakes with patented corrugation dies for a leading shipyard. Also owns 2 FK-1250-22 press brakes
  • 2009 - Manufactures a 2500 tandem pole system with automated processing capability
  • 2010 - Manufactures a 1350 D-10-72 press for a leading power turbine manufacturer
  • 2011 - Manufactures a FK-1250-22 press brake for large corrugated metal structure company
  • 2011 - Manufactures a 400 ton bulldozer for Romanian oil field equipment manufacturer
  • 2011 - Manufactures a 400 ton 4 post press for leading wheel manufacturer
  • 2011 - Manufactures a 750-OBL-12/48 for major seating component manufacturer
  • 2012 - Manufactures a FK-1000-21 tandem brakes for barge manufacturer
  • 2012 - Manufactures a FK-1500-45 brake for large marine repair facility
  • 2012 - Manufactures a FK-1250-30 tandem automated steel pole system
  • 2012 - Manufactures a 1500D-13/84 straight side press for major bus manufacturer
  • 2012 - Manufactures a FK-1000-36 brake for steel power pole manufacturer in Mexico
  • 2012 - Manufactures a FK-1250-30 tandem automated power pole system for large contract manufacturer