French Oil Mill Machinery Company was proud to be featured in a WHIO story about Piqua’s most prominent manufacturing companies. The station distinguished French as a company that has successfully stayed family-owned for more than 120 years while innovating the hydraulic press industry in our Piqua, Ohio facility.
Remembering Our History in Piqua, Ohio
WHIO sat down with Daniel P. French, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He fondly remembered his father and grandfather whose portraits stood in the background during the interview. Daniel French jokingly called their portraits his interview “reinforcements” and shared how the company has evolved over four generations. The French Oil Mill Machinery Company was started by French’s grandfather, Alfred Willard French, in 1900 to serve the linseed oil industry in Piqua, Ohio. Then, his father Alfred Jr. joined the company in 1926 and pioneered the use of screw presses.
Helping and Improving our Community
French’s innovation and local economic impact have resulted in the betterment of the community. In the video, Daniel P. French proudly explained that French is “helping people lead better lives… we’re helping feed people better, helping them have more efficient and more comfortable lives, and so that feels good when you come to work in the morning”. For example, French collaborated with Grow Piqua Now, a public-private economic development organization, in creating a persuasive workforce recruiting video in 2016. Daniel P. French also acknowledged how grateful he is to reside and work in Piqua, Ohio. Moreover, the local families have worked with The French Oil Mill Machinery Company for decades, and have contributed to a resilient and reliable workforce.
Learn More About French and Its History in Piqua Below
Watch the video below to learn more about our rich history, values, and more. Contact French for more information about our history or our hydraulic presses, oilseed, and polymer equipment.