About Us

Learn about Royersford Foundry’s history, mission, and commitment to quality manufacturing, customer service, and American-made industrial products.

Our History

Founded in 1890, Royersford Machine Company began as a small machine shop serving America’s growing industrial needs. Within a few short years, foundry operations were added, and the company evolved into a trusted manufacturer of power transmission products. From our earliest shaft hangers and bearings to today’s advanced designs, Royersford has remained dedicated to craftsmanship, reliability, and American-made quality – values that have defined us for over a century.

Evolving Product Lines: From Machine Tools to Precision Bearings

In the early 1900’s, Royersford Machine Company expanded its expertise with a full line of machine tools, including drill presses, pedestal grinders, punch and shear machines (now known as Universal Iron Workers), arbor presses, and foundry tumbling mills. During World War II, the company operated at full capacity, producing more than 2,000 drill presses for installation aboard U.S. Navy Ships. Of that original line our arbor presses remain a cornerstone of our product offering today. In 1986, we introduced our Type E mounted bearing line featuring Timken tapered roller bearings, followed by the R2000 mounted bearing line in 2012 featuring SKF spherical roller bearings – extending our legacy of precision engineering into the modern era.

Significant Milestones

June 1, 1890

The Royersford Machine Company was established at 101 Main St., Royersford, PA, by Samuel H. Egolf, Y.C. Freed, and partners.

February 23, 1896

The foundry building was completed, officially launching operations as both a machine shop and foundry.

February 1904

The company was incorporated as Royersford Foundry and Machine Co., Inc. under Pennsylvania law, expanding production to include power transmission appliances and machine tools.

1912–1916

Franklin H. Deisher joined as director and later acquired ownership with H.R. Willis. By 1916, the Deisher family began its long-standing leadership of the company.

August 1, 1924

H.R. Willis sold his shares, making the Deisher family sole owners—a legacy that continues for more than five generations.

1939–1945 (World War II)

The foundry reached peak production, building up to 190 drill presses per month. It’s believed that every U.S. Navy ship had a Royersford drill press aboard during the war.

1950–1953

John C. Deisher, grandson of Franklin, joined the company. Despite major fires in 1951 and 1952, production resumed, and new products such as arbor presses and the Royersford-Excelsior 22″ Power Drill were introduced.

May 7, 1962

After the passing of Franklin H. Deisher, John C. Deisher became President, continuing the family’s leadership into a new era.

1972–1978

The foundry endured flooding from Hurricane Agnes and a catastrophic fire that caused over $1.5 million in damages. The foundry was not rebuilt, shifting operations to focus on machining and assembly.

November 2, 1981

The company moved to a new facility at 835 Township Line Road in Phoenixville, PA, where it remains today.

1986–2013

Product lines expanded to include Type “E” tapered roller bearings (“Royersford Blue”) and later R2000 spherical roller bearings (“Royersford Red”), marking new milestones in product innovation.

2020–Present

Through challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Royersford Foundry & Machine Co. upheld its essential role in American manufacturing. Now in its fifth generation, the company continues to deliver precision Bearings, Couplings, Collars, and Arbor Presses built to endure.

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