American Ring Celebrates 50 Years of Family Ownership, Innovation, and Customer Trust

Solon, Ohio — January 2026 — American Ring, a family-owned manufacturer and distributor of retaining rings and related components, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of growth built on trust, perseverance, and solving customers’ toughest challenges.

Officially founded in 1976, American Ring’s roots trace back further. Company founder Robert L. Morrissey (Bob) entered the fastener industry during World War II, eventually starting his own business with the support of customers who valued his work ethic and integrity.

“My father got into the fastener business during World War II because he was required to work for a war-related industry,” said Jim Morrissey, current chairman of American Ring. “He went off on his own in 1958, at a time when a couple of companies gave him the opportunity to earn a living.”

In the 1960s, Morrissey represented Anderton, a British retaining ring manufacturer, building international relationships that shaped the company’s technical expertise. By the mid-1970s, he and his sons recognized the opportunity to move beyond sales and establish a Midwest-based distribution business. American Ring officially launched in Highland Heights, Ohio, in 1976, and ownership passed to Morrissey’s sons in 1983, keeping the company family-owned.

In its early years, growth came slowly and deliberately. “My dad said, ‘If we could get to $4,000 in sales a month, that would be incredible,’” Jim Morrissey recalled. Today, the company reaches that level of sales in less than an hour.

Over the decades, American Ring weathered economic downturns, manufacturing shifts, and supply chain disruptions. Key milestones include the 1989 acquisition of Precision Spring & Manufacturing assets, the 2017 purchase of Ring Master, and the acquisition of assets from S&M Retaining Ring in 2018, expanding manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

“When I came on board, it was evident that we needed to focus on making this product in-house.” said Michael Morrissey, co-president. Bringing more manufacturing capabilities in-house has allowed the company to stay competitive and better control costs.

Throughout its growth, American Ring has remained deeply customer-focused. The company has built its reputation on reliability, transparency, and long-term partnerships—often stepping in when customers face urgent or complex challenges.

“My father had a reputation for being honest, solid, and hardworking,” Jim Morrissey said. “People want to do business with people they trust. We could look a customer in the eye and say, ‘We’ve got you covered.’”

That promise is backed by the company’s employees, who American Ring credits as the foundation of its longevity. The company has grown from a team of just four employees to over 100 employees working across four locations today.

“Many of our employees have been with us for a long time, and in many cases, their siblings or even their children have worked here, too,” said Michael Morrissey. “That sense of family matters to us, because that’s how we operate.”

Looking ahead, American Ring continues to invest in manufacturing, technology, and strategic acquisitions—while preserving the family-oriented culture that has defined the company for 50 years.

“The next 50 years are no less challenging than the first 50,” Jim Morrissey said. “If we’re going to make it another 50 years, we have to do all the right things at the right time for the right reasons.”