Howard Colman organized the company in Rockford, Illinois, with capital from W. A. Barber.

Early successes with their Hand Knotter and Warp Tying Machine allowed the company to expand internationally, manufacturing goods in five states and three countries.

The company moved to Loves Park, Illinois, in the 1950s, but struggled following the death of Walter Colman in 1983.

Howard Colman came to Rockford, Illinois, from Wisconsin to open a metalworking shop for his prototype textile machine.

In 1900, Colman invented the Hand Knotter, which could quickly and easily tie knots in string.

This machine automated the process of passing threads through the eyes of heddles.

By 1931, the company also had production facilities in Framingham, Massachusetts; Greenville, South Carolina; Munich, Germany; Chicago; Cincinnati, Ohio; Rochester, New York; and Manchester, England.

Reed–Chatwood purchased the textile operations and continued to manufacture from the original factory until 2001.