We may have evolved over our 130 years, but we will always be 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 manufacturing equipment brings a tradition of knowledge, American-made 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 solutions.
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
Mays & Bliss - Business Begins
Bliss formed a partnership with John Mays. Under the name of Mays & Bliss, they engaged in a machine press and die business.In 1871, Mays sold his share of the business to Bliss' cousin, J. H. Williams, a share Bliss later bought.
1885
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.
1890
Bliss Acquires More Capital
The company increased its holdings by buying out the business of the Stiles & Parker Press Company and the U. S. Projectile Company.
1899
The U.S. Projectile Plant Merger
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
Torpedos, World Wars & Industrial Growth
Bliss’s redesign of the Whitehead lineage delivered tangible gains: higher speed and range, markedly better directional and depth control, and improved reliability through standardized American production. Those advances not only improved torpedo performance but also strengthened the U.S. industrial ability to iterate, maintain, and supply modern naval ordnance.
1940s
Bliss Plays a Role in WWII Efforts, Sustaining U.S. Industrialism (1939-1945)
Bliss-designed torpedoes (various Bliss–Leavitt marks) remained in U.S. Navy service during World War II, and Bliss machine tools/presses formed part of the broader U.S. munitions industrial base used for wartime production.
1947
Consolidated Press Company Purchase, Leading to Our Michigan Location
After 90 years, the Bliss Torpedo Works plant in Brooklyn plant was closed. Manufacturing facilities were then moved to one location in New Jersey, and three locations in Ohio. During this turmoil, Bliss purchased the Consolidated Press Company of Hastings, Michigan.
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.
1970s
Modernization & Industry-Leading Production Times
During or near the Vietnam War, Bliss develops its first SCAMP (Small Caliber Ammunition Modernization Program) lines. These machines would later become known as some of their fastest ammunition equipment. Globally, some original SCAMP lines are still in use today.
1980s
Selloffs to New Ownerships (1980s-2022)
Gulf & Western restructured many of its holdings in the 1980s, directly impacting Bliss operations. The assets and press business linked to Bliss, Clearing, and Niagara brands become associated with BCN Technical Services in Hastings, Michigan. Owned by German parent, The Schuler Group.
2018
Bliss introduces a new 220 and 260 press
Bliss expands its product line with machines capable of collapsing multiple post-draw operations into a single press — a major technical step forward. 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
Bliss Diverges from BCN Technical Services, Returning to U.S. Ownership
Bliss Munitions Equipment reclaims its historical USA name and reestablishes its base in Kentwood, Michigan under private U.S. ownership.
Present
Now
Today, Bliss is a global provider of turnkey ammunition production systems, trusted by governments and defense manufacturers across multiple continents. When you purchase a production line, it raises the bar for industrial-scale manufacturing: our engineering, training, and lifecycle support ensure long-term readiness for every client we serve.
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.
Today, and Into The Future
As supply chains tighten and demand for strategic independence rises, Bliss continues to expand its role in securing global defense readiness: one production line at a time.
Supplied Across The Globe
Built to Last for Decades
Small Through Large Calibers
American Made, Owned, & Proud
Military-Spec Production
