Our History

1947

1947

In 1947 in his garage in Chicago, Illinois Arthur Schwarzberger developed a simple sewing concept for quilting machines that could cross over sewing lines. Arthur refined his concept and began manufacturing mechanical track quilting machines for the comforter, bedspread, and mattress markets. Sales started to grow, and the small company named ABM Industries began to expand.

1947

In 1947 in his garage in Chicago, Illinois Arthur Schwarzberger developed a simple sewing concept for quilting machines that could cross over sewing lines. Arthur refined his concept and began manufacturing mechanical track quilting machines for the comforter, bedspread, and mattress markets. Sales started to grow, and the small company named ABM Industries began to expand.

1947

1950

1950

In the early 1950's the family basement became too small, so ABM moved to a three-story building on the south side of Chicago. It was during this time that Arthur's sons Barry and Michael got involved in the business, working to expand the types of equipment manufactured while simultaneously servicing more markets.

1950

In the early 1950's the family basement became too small, so ABM moved to a three-story building on the south side of Chicago. It was during this time that Arthur's sons Barry and Michael got involved in the business, working to expand the types of equipment manufactured while simultaneously servicing more markets.

1950

1960

1960

By 1960 ABM needed more manufacturing space, it was time to move again - this time to a location on Chicago's west side. However, with Arthur's untimely death, Barry and Michael assumed full responsibility of the company and its continued growth.

1960

By 1960 ABM needed more manufacturing space, it was time to move again - this time to a location on Chicago's west side. However, with Arthur's untimely death, Barry and Michael assumed full responsibility of the company and its continued growth.

1960

1980

1980

During the late 1980's ABM expanded into computer technology and was looking for an influx of energy and new ideas. Michael’s son Neal began working for the company. Together they developed a computerized quilting machine named the XL, expanded sales and marketing efforts overseas, changed the name to ABM International, Inc., and moved to a larger facility in Niles, Illinois.

1980

During the late 1980's ABM expanded into computer technology and was looking for an influx of energy and new ideas. Michael’s son Neal began working for the company. Together they developed a computerized quilting machine named the XL, expanded sales and marketing efforts overseas, changed the name to ABM International, Inc., and moved to a larger facility in Niles, Illinois.

1980

1995

1995

In 1995 ABM began the development of a revolutionary new vertical quilting machine called the "Robo Quilter" - the first of its kind.

1995

In 1995 ABM began the development of a revolutionary new vertical quilting machine called the "Robo Quilter" - the first of its kind.

1995

1997

1997

After the introduction of Robo Quilter to the market in October of 1997, sales soared, and another move was required. The new facility in Elk Grove Village, Illinois provided more space, which allowed for the assembly of up to 500 machines per year.

1997

After the introduction of Robo Quilter to the market in October of 1997, sales soared, and another move was required. The new facility in Elk Grove Village, Illinois provided more space, which allowed for the assembly of up to 500 machines per year.

1997

2003

2003

By the end of 2003, worldwide demand for the Robo Quilter and the XL6000 was at an all-time high and to expedite shipments we had determined it was time to leave Chicago and head south to one of our nation’s largest shipping ports. In March of 2003 ABM purchased its current facility and relocated to Houston, Texas. The new buildings provide ample floor space for ABM to manufacture up to 1,000 quilting machines per year.

2003

By the end of 2003, worldwide demand for the Robo Quilter and the XL6000 was at an all-time high and to expedite shipments we had determined it was time to leave Chicago and head south to one of our nation’s largest shipping ports. In March of 2003 ABM purchased its current facility and relocated to Houston, Texas. The new buildings provide ample floor space for ABM to manufacture up to 1,000 quilting machines per year.

2003

Today

Today

Today, ABM International continues to operate as a vertically integrated manufacturer with in-house designing, engineering, welding, machining, programming, and assembly. ABM International has built its reputation on providing high caliber machinery and superior customer service. We have become a leading international manufacturer, with representation in Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. Our ability to service such a vast market has been the groundwork for our growth and success.

Today

Today, ABM International continues to operate as a vertically integrated manufacturer with in-house designing, engineering, welding, machining, programming, and assembly. ABM International has built its reputation on providing high caliber machinery and superior customer service. We have become a leading international manufacturer, with representation in Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. Our ability to service such a vast market has been the groundwork for our growth and success.

Today