In 1878, the Buffalo Forge Company was founded by Charles Hammelmann and William Wendt. Initially, the company focused on the production of blacksmith forges. The forge, manufactured by Buffalo Forge was an innovative design that used a mechanically-driven blower in order to deliver air into the forge, instead of the traditional blacksmith’s bellows. Over the following decades, Buffalo Forge developed several innovative products in the field of air handling, including steam coil heating and air conditioning. The company also expanded its product line to include industrial manufacturing equipment and power tools. During the early 1900s, Buffalo Forge acquired the George L. Squier Manufacturing Company and the Buffalo Steam Pump Company (Buffalo Pumps). These two subsidiaries greatly expanded Buffalo Forge’s manufacturing capacity.  Buffalo Forge operated as an independent company until 1993, when it was acquired by the Howden Group. The Buffalo Forge plant, which was located on Broadway in Buffalo, New York, closed in 1994.

Prior to the late 1970s, asbestos-containing materials were utilized in construction and maintenance at the Buffalo Forge Company in Buffalo, New York. Inhaling dust and particles from the application and removal of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing serious health problems, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Even those who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for the development of asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one were once employed at Buffalo Forge, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or another asbestos-related disease, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.