Harold Atwood Inventory: A Legacy in Munster, IN
When you think about ground-breaking inventions in the food industry, especially in dough processing, Harold Atwood’s name stands tall. Harold Atwood, the founder of AM Manufacturing, was an inventor and a visionary who redefined efficiency and quality in food production. Born and raised in Chicago, Harold’s early experiences and passion for engineering laid the foundation for a company that thrived decades after its inception. 
At AM Manufacturing, Harold Atwood’s vision, persistence, and dedication have created a legacy that remains at the core of everything we do. This page celebrates Harold Atwood’s life and legacy, reflects on his principles, and explores his lasting influence on the industry and AM Manufacturing.
From a Garage Dream to a Global Name
The story of AM Manufacturing begins humbly. After Harold’s service in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, he became fascinated with working with metals and machinery. This curiosity followed him into the 1950s as he toiled away in his parents’ garage, refining machines that would go on to change the food industry forever.
One of Harold’s most revolutionary contributions was the invention of the Scale-O-Matic Dough Divider. This single machine turned the tedious, manual task of dough division into a fast, efficient process. Bakers, from small commissaries to large-scale industrial kitchens, finally had a solution that delivered consistent results with minimal waste. Harold’s continued perseverance led to innovations in pizza crust mass production and bagel shaping, earning him the affectionate nickname of the “Bagel King.”
By the time Harold officially established AM Manufacturing in 1961, his inventions were already gaining traction. His unique ability to spot inefficiencies and develop solutions cemented his position as the leading dough-dividing equipment pioneer. For over six decades, this drive to provide smarter, faster, and higher-quality solutions has guided AM Manufacturing’s principles.
Founder’s Vision for Future Growth
Harold Atwood believed in more than just efficiency; he envisioned creating a company that serves its customers while continuously improving its craft. According to those who knew him, Harold constantly asked himself, “What could the world use?” This question led to the continued refinement of his machines, never settling for the status quo. Whether it was producing machinery for pizza crusts, tortillas, or bagels, Harold’s focus was on innovation that served real-world needs. Some of the core principles that guided Harold’s vision include:
- Customer-Centric Design: Creating products that address the practical needs of customers, with reliability and efficiency being top priorities.
- Continuous Improvement: Harold’s daughter shared he was “never, ever happy with the end product.” He pushed himself and his team to explore new techniques and technologies.
- Global Impact: Harold’s goal was not just to serve the community around him but to create waves in the global food industry. Today, AM Manufacturing exports equipment that serves commissaries and restaurants across continents.
- Innovation-First Approach: Throughout his career, Harold secured patents that revolutionized food production standards – a testament to his inventive spirit.
Leveraging Innovation to Expand Horizons
Under Harold’s guidance, AM Manufacturing operated as a center for innovation, constantly taking on new challenges. His hunger for invention never waned. Moving beyond the Scale-O-Matic Dough Divider, Harold focused on machines that could scale food production for various industries. His creations allowed bakers to:
- Mass-produce high-quality pizzas efficiently
- Standardize tortilla production with ease
- Produce bagels at a speed and quality unmatched before his inventions
Harold’s contributions were more than tools—they enabled industry growth. His foresight helped small business owners and large corporations streamline operations and grow their reach.
Decades later, this spirit of ingenuity has continued to fuel AM Manufacturing. We’ve invested millions in facilities that further expand Harold’s legacy of precision and quality. The relocation of AM Manufacturing to Munster, Indiana, in 2014 is one example of how the company has continued to push boundaries while honoring Harold’s original vision. Today, we operate from a 56,800-square-foot facility equipped to handle in-house production for custom solutions, advanced training programs, and world-class dough-making expertise.
The Legacy of “The Bagel King”
Harold Atwood’s contributions extend beyond the machines he built. His visionary spirit inspired those around him to aim higher and work harder. Even in the later years of his life, Harold showed up daily, tinkering and refining his creations, never giving up on pursuing excellence. He leaves behind a thriving enterprise and philosophy guiding future generations. AM Manufacturing continues to reflect Harold’s commitment, innovation, and craftsmanship through every machine it produces.
Why Harold’s Legacy Matters Today:
- He introduced groundbreaking technologies like the Scale-O-Matic Dough Divider, which set the standard for dough processing equipment.
- His work earned global recognition, helping the food industry evolve into a world driven by mass production without compromising quality.
- Harold’s inventions allowed bakers and businesses everywhere to focus on what matters most—crafting delicious products.
The Future of AM Manufacturing
Harold Atwood may have passed, but his dream is alive each time AM Manufacturing equipment is used to prepare products enjoyed worldwide. The company continues to honor its founder by staying true to its mission—to create high-quality, labor-saving technologies that empower businesses. The founder’s vision is never just about a company’s beginning but its ability to evolve while staying true to its purpose. Today, Harold Atwood’s legacy is carried forward by his two daughters, Claudia and Holly, who have continued the family business with the same dedication and passion. At AM Manufacturing, the legacy of Harold Atwood, inventor, and dough-dividing pioneer, resonates in every decision we make. We remain humbled by his work and look forward to living up to his ideals for generations to come. To learn more about AM Manufacturing, contact us today.