Max Bessey founded the Bessey Company, known as a leader in the clamping industry, in 1889. The company began as a bright drawing mill in Stuttgart, Germany, and continues to draw on this aspect of the business to this day. Dr. Eugen Mayer became chairman of the company in 1926 and soon after married Erna Bessey. In 1936, Dr. Mayer obtained the patent for a unique adjustable screw clamp made with malleable cast iron jaws. This invention marked the beginning of the company’s entrance into the field of clamping tools.

During the decades from 1966 to 2000, Dr. Theodor Mayer managed the company or provided guidance and influence over product line, sales, and growth. Under his direction, Bessey expanded beyond the manufacture of bright drawn steel multiples by adding stainless to their production lists. They also began creating and marketing ERDI brand tin snips.

In 1949, the James Morton Group was established in New York and served as Bessey’s exclusive North American sales and marketing partner. The organization was bought out by Bessey in 2003 and continues to operate in the U.S.

Using steel from its own mills, Bessey produces over 20 different clamps. The original Bessey clamp design has a signature non-slip locking mechanism identified by a set screw that marks it as a Bessey Tradesmen. Another popular Bessey clamp series is the sliding-arm clamp with an arm that travels along a rail to the pressure point, making it easier to use than a traditional “C” clamp.

Addresses

Bessey Headquarters
Bessey & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
Mühlwiesenstraße 40
74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen
Germany

Bessey USA
James Morton Inc.
American Clamping Corp.
P.O. Box 399
Batavia, New York 14021-0399

Bessey Canada
James Morton Ltd.
American Clamping (Canada)
P.O. Box 490
Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5V5

Bessey U.K.
L.H.Hydleman
Marton Street BD23 1TF
Skipton/North Yorkshire
England