Our History

Bliss Munitions Equipment has a rich history of innovation while exhibiting itself as a predominant leader in the defense industry.

Blisshistory

The names have changed through the years, but our hometown still calls it "The Bliss."

The Bliss story is documented from cannonballs in the War of 1812 and the Bliss-Leavitt Torpedo that served both World Wars to the manufacturing machinery for small, medium and large caliber ammunition – much of which is still in operation in ammo manufacturing facilities today.

Selecting Bliss Munitions as your partner for equipment services for ammunition manufacture brings you a tradition of knowledge, innovation and pride to the work at hand.

A Tradition of Industry Innovation

1836

E.W. Bliss is born

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.

1836

1857

Bliss builds 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.

1857

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.

1886

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.

1893

1899

Bliss and U.S. Projectile Plant merge

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.

1899

1914

WWI begins

Bliss Munitions’ Whitehead-type torpedo becomes the standard torpedo used for WWI.

1914

1919

E.W. Bliss purchases Consolidated Press Company

The E.W. Bliss Company expanded again 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.

1919

1939

WWII begins

Bliss Munitions manufactures a full array of ammunition presses that help win WWII.

1939

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.

1966

1972

Bliss Creates First SCAMP Line

Bliss built the first SCAMP lines during the Vietnam era, which are still the fastest producing ammunition machines in operation today.

1972

2013

Bliss Munitions Initiates Updated Design Technology

Bliss initiated the modernization and redesign of all of its historic machines.

2013

2018

Bliss introduces a new 220 and 260 press

Bliss creates the 220 and 260 presses, which are the first machines that complete all pistol and rifle case post-draw operations in a single press.

2018

2022

Bliss is American Owned Again

Bliss, under new ownership, revives its historical name to Bliss Munitions Equipment and establishes its new home in Kentwood, Michigan.

2022

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.

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