Our History | The Timeline of Bliss
The timeline of our history tells a story of true American-made innovation. Spanning from early cannonball presses to today’s advanced ammunition machinery, Bliss exhibits itself as a predominant leader in the defense industry.
Our names have changed through the years, but our hometown still calls it "Bliss."
Bliss' story has been documented from cannonballs in the War of 1812, to the Bliss-Leavitt Torpedo that served both World Wars, to the manufacturing machinery for small, medium and large caliber ammunition. Today, majority of antiquated equipment is still in operation at ammunition facilities across the globe.
Selecting Bliss Munitions as your partner for ammunition manufactuirng equipment brings a tradition of knowledge, innovation and pride to the work at hand.
A Tradition of Industry Innovation
Our history timeline highlights key milestones like the first SCAMP line in 1972 and the A‑Series modernization in 2013 to today's modern soultions.
1836
E.W. Early Years: From Cannonballs to Torpedoes (1812–1919)
Eliphalet Williams Bliss was born in the small farming community of Fly Creek near Cooperstown, New York to Dr. John S. Bliss and Ruby Ann Williams Bliss.
1857
Oliver Snow & Co. - Bliss Builds his First Press
At age 21, Bliss built his first presses on contract for Oliver Snow & Co. and soon became a machinist for the Charles Parker Gun Company.
1886
The E.W. Bliss Co. is formally founded
The E.W. Bliss Co. was incorporated by E.W. Bliss, Anna M. Bliss, William A. Porter, Frank M. Leavitt and Charles L. Hart with capital of $100,000.
1893
Bliss helps found U.S. Projectile Company
E.W. Bliss helped found the U.S. Projectile Company which specialized in arms-making, including initial development of the famous Bliss-Leavitt Torpedo.
1899
The U.S. Projectile Plant merges with Bliss
Bliss merged the U.S. Projectile Company into the E.W. Bliss Company. Frank M. Leavitt of the U.S. Projectile Plant began developing a new torpedo that was completed in 1904, delivering a range of 12,500 feet.
1914
World Wars & Industrial Growth (1914–1969)
Bliss Munitions’ Whitehead-type torpedo becomes the standard torpedo used for WWI.
1919
Consolidated Press Company Purchase
Expansion continued with the acquisition of the Consolidated Press Company of Hastings, MI. One of the most modern machine shops in the Midwest during the early 20th century, the company had an excellent reputation for its line of inclinable open back presses and small-to-mid sized presses.
1939
WWII begins
Bliss Munitions manufactures a full array of ammunition presses that help win WWII.
1966
E.W. Bliss Company goes public
The E.W. Bliss Company went public in 1966 and was purchased in 1969 by the Gulf & Western Manufacturing Company.
1972
Modernization & A‑Series Presses (1972–2018)
Bliss built the first SCAMP lines during the Vietnam era, which are still the fastest producing ammunition machines in operation today.
2013
Bliss Munitions Initiates Updated Design Technology
Bliss initiated the modernization and redesign of all of its historic machines.
2018
Bliss introduces a new 220 and 260 press
The 220 and 260 presses are brought to life, adding the first machines that complete all pistol and rifle case post-draw operations in a single press to Bliss' portfolio of innovation.
2022
Return to U.S. Ownership & Future Innovation (2022–Present)
Under new USA ownership, revives its historical name to Bliss Munitions Equipment and establishes its new home in Kentwood, Michigan.
This history timeline underscores our commitment to quality, innovation, and American‑made precision across two centuries. Bliss is focused on continued innovation of high-performance machines that will lead its legacy well into the future.
Read the Bliss History Book
Click the link below to download our history booklet.