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Corporate History
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firm was founded by Cal Napier in October 1929 for the sole purpose of repairing radiators
for United Motors, Division of General Motors. In
1951, Cal sold the business to his sister, Helen Gratton and her husband, Charles A.
Gratton. The present management of the firm is Charles P. Gratton,
president; Helen Gratton, secretary/treasurer; John Gratton, vice president; and David
Gratton, vice president and general manager of the Eastern Division. Acme entered into the air conditioning business in 1961 and the
RV industry, as a supplier and installation firm, in 1971. The Eastern Division of Acme opened in 1972 in Goshen, Indiana. This division was the original supplier and
installer of RV air conditioning in the area. By 1975, Acme’s Manufacturing Division began producing high
quality air conditioning units and components to meet the need for reliable, cost
effective products. A plastic vacuum forming operation was set up in the Goshen,
Indiana facility in 1986, for fabrication of basic air conditioning parts for in-house
use. In the spring of 1987, Acme began exporting units and parts to
various countries throughout Europe. In 1988, a Canadian branch opened to enhance sales and operations
in that country. Further expansion on the West Coast and East Coast helped 1989 to
be a year of growth. In 1990, Acme Canada began installing rear heating and air
conditioning systems on a “Ship-thru” basis for General Motors Canadian G-Van
Assembly Plant. Then in 1991, Acme purchased the majority of assets of A.R.A.
Manufacturing Company’s Automotive Air Conditioning Division, including the product
line and new state of the art engineering department.
As a result, Acme Manufacturing Division began producing high quality after-market
dash air conditioning systems. In 1992, Acme expanded into the off highway construction
equipment market. In 1993, an O.E.M. Prep Center was opened in Flint, Michigan, to
accommodate relocation of G-van production. Acme became one of two approved air conditioning sources for New
York City’s taxi industry in 1998. In 1999, Acme expanded into the premium highway bus market. In 2001, Acme was certified as an ISO9000 company. Currently,
Acme is the only air conditioning manufacturer to meet this quality standard. In 2003, Acme entered the material handling market. Distribution has now expanded to include the United States,
Canada, South America, Mexico, the Middle East, and Europe. Now in 2004, Acme has designed and successfully tested an air
conditioning system for the Military Humvee, and is awaiting contract. Acme’s growth and expansion is reflected by the company
credo: “INNOVATORS ---NOT IMITATORS” |
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