The Alemite Name and Its Influence Become Common
By 1930, industrial equipment and large machinery were becoming more common, and the need to lubricate machinery “in the field” led Alemite to develop the “portable service station” for the Caterpillar Tractor Company. Multiple lubrication pumps, hose reels and a variety of other equipment needed for field service were mounted permanently on the bed of a truck. This concept led to U.S. military services requesting custom-designed units in vast numbers before and during World War II. These “lube trucks” became commonplace and are still used by various industries and construction companies today.
Progress continued during World War II as industry was moving faster. The need for efficient and continuous operations became apparent. Alemite made advancements in several industries with lubrication tools and products. From fittings and pumps to various oil-based fluids, the Alemite name and its influence quickly became common. So common, in fact, that the verb alemite was added to the 1945 printing (1934 copyright) of Webster’s New International Dictionary, Second Edition and remained for several years.
Postwar Innovations
After World War II, Alemite quickly recognized the potential for growth in the service industry. The demand for clean and efficient shops meant modernizing outdated service bays. Offering everything needed to fill that demand in a new ultra-modern layout, Alemite could fit a shop with a “back room” where the drums and pumps could be kept out of sight. Front cabinets and shielded reels provided a polished and clean service area. A 27-month warranty (the forerunner to modern warranties) was offered on all new “Atomic” pumps introduced by Alemite during this period.
In the 1950s, three new lines of pumps were introduced to meet the demands of various industries and automotive service shops. Pumps able to withstand water, detergents and other corrosive liquids were launched under the “SprayKleen” line.
During this same period, Alemite engineers developed the Oil-Mist System of lubrication for commercial applications. It had several advantages over other methods of lubrication, specifically where continuous lubrication was needed. The system did not have any moving parts yet could deliver a constant, measured stream of clean, atomized oil to provide a cost-effective option for ongoing automatic lubrication.
Throughout the 1960s, Alemite continued to function as a resource and manufacturer of quality and reliable lubrication products. With refinements to pump efficiency and productivity, specialized pumps were introduced to meet requests from several industries. As clients expressed their needs, Alemite developed and improved various products. Pumps for inks and adhesives, along with self-contained, single-point lubricators, showed the versatility of Alemite’s commitment to the industries it served.