Corporate Info

• Peerless Machine & Tool Corporation was founded in 1922 by John H. Carson. With six employees, he set up business in 3,000 sq. ft. of shop space in Marion, Indiana. Today, Peerless Marion facility covers 72,000 sq. ft.
  
  In the early years, the company specialized in repairing machinery for various corrugated manufacturers in the area. In 1926, John Carson was joined by his son Robert H. Carson. Together, they saw a manufacturing opportunity in the production of paper plate forming machinery and tooling. In late 1926 and early 1927, they built the first U.S. produced blank-fed paper plate forming machine. Throughout the 1920’s, the emphasis was on blank-fed machinery.
  
  In 1930, Peerless invented what is believed to be the first roll-fed paper plate forming machine line. As the use of paper plates began to grow during the 1930’s, Peerless continued the evolution of the roll-fed paper plate machine.
  
  In 1942 as the U.S. was engaged in World War II, Peerless was given a multi-year contract to manufacture bogie wheels for tanks. Peerless concentrated on the war effort until 1946. In 1946 Peerless resumed production of paper plate forming machinery. Also in 1946, Robert H. Carson assumed the President’s position upon the death of his father.
  
  With a legacy of innovation and a drive of his own, Robert H. set out to develop larger more productive equipment. His efforts were rewarded in 1955 with the introduction of the P46 machine line and again in 1959 with the first P57 equipment.
  
  Although these machine lines were considered state-of-the-art in the 1950’s for paper plate production, R. H. Carson wanted to expand into other areas of business. In 1959 and 1960 he invented and patented the process of “pre-scoring” of the paperboard. This innovation not only had ramifications for the traditional paper plate markets, it opened up the foodservice tray marketplace. The process has been refined through the years and is now the basis on which all “Peerless Trays” are formed.
  
  In 1963 Peerless began work in the molded pulp products industry. Incorporating many features found in their standard press line, Peerless developed “Afterpress” equipment. These machine lines are primarily used to afterpress molded pulp egg cartons. The afterpressing squares up the egg cartons and creates a smooth surface for creative printing.
  
  In 1970, Robert H. Carson became Chairman of the Board and his son Robert D. Carson who joined the firm in 1954 became President. Another son, William A. Carson became Executive Vice President.
  
  Also in 1970, Peerless began to produce a line of blankers or die cutters for the paperboard converting industry. These “mini-blankers” filled a void in the market for equipment priced reasonably for smaller specialized converters.
  
  Further efforts at diversification came in 1972, with the development of the first commercially available plastic “cold-forming” machinery. This effort was done jointly with the Marbon Chemical Division of Borg-Warner.
  
  1982 heralded the arrival of a new concept in plate and tray forming with the introduction of the “Crown Series”. Crown machinery was originally available in three blank-fed models and one roll-fed model.
  
  In 1985 Peerless worked jointly with Hercules Chemical Company and Temple-Inland Paper Corporation to introduce another new line of forming machinery, the Thermopress. Thermopress lines were designed to convert a polymer composite sheet material into an array of dual-ovenable food packaging trays.
  
  In 1988 Peerless invested in new CAD-CAM technology along with new CNC machining equipment. This equipment allowed company engineers and manufacturing personnel to improve efficiencies, production, and quality control. Since 1988 this has been an ongoing priority within Peerless. New engineering software (3D), hardware, and CNC equipment has been added at regular intervals.
  
  1989 brought new improved roll stand products. New mechanical roll stands were introduced that automatically shifted laterally for paper roll engagement and vertically for paper roll lifting.
  
  1990 was a turning point in the history of Peerless and how Peerless competes in today’s global economy. A second facility was completed in Baesweiler, Germany. This facility was required to regain lost tooling sales to English, Scandinavian, and European customers. The Baesweiler facility produces new tooling, repairs and rebuilds tooling, and offers parts and service sales to all customers within their territory. This facility and its personnel are critical to Peerless’ success.
  
  A new narrow roll-fed machine line was introduced in 1993. The M24T machine offered many technological improvements such as adjustable forming stroke and dwell. The M24T continues to be a very important part of the Peerless machinery line-up, especially for tray producers.
  
  1993 also saw a new model of the popular P57 Standard machine line. The new “Economy” model was introduced to compete with used machinery offerings and to offer converters in the low margin plain white plate markets a feasible new machine alternative. The Economy lines continue to be a major part of the Peerless product line.
  
  In late 1995, Robert D. Carson retired after over 40 years with Peerless to become Chairman of the Board. His son Jeffrey D. Carson who joined the family business in 1978 assumed the Presidency.
  
  2001 brought with it the design and production of a large blank-fed machine, the BF 57.5. This machine line was designed to produce large foodservice trays.
  
  In 2004 Peerless again introduced a new high production plate and tray forming machine line, the M37T. The M37T builds upon the success of the smaller M24T. The M37T is a high production offering which utilizes PC controls and innovative servomotor driven roller screws. As with the M24T, the M37T also offers adjustable forming stroke, dwell and quick tooling changeovers.
  
  In 2005 a new “shaftless” design roll stand was introduced. The 44” shaftless model roll stand offers converters a reasonable priced alternative to older shaft-type offerings.
  
  Most recently in 2006, a wider version of the M37T was introduced. The M40T offers users all the benefits of the M37T with a wider roll width capability.
  
  Today, in its 85th year of family ownership, Peerless services machinery and tooling in 36 countries at approximately 100 plant locations. The Peerless product line includes blank-fed forming machinery, narrow and wide roll-fed forming machinery, paperboard moistening machinery, molded pulp afterpress machinery, simple shaft type or completely adjustable vertical lift roll stands, and a complete line of paperboard plate and tray tooling.