Our History

Montalvo: A Quick Look Back

With degrees in mechanical engineering and law, Edwin J. Montalvo Sr. began his career in 1947 as a New York City based manufacturer's representative.

In 1970, at age 57, Montalvo changed careers and became a manufacturer. That year, with the introduction of his patented, air-cooled, dual disc, multiple-range brakes and clutches, Montalvo revolutionized tension control. He built the prototype in his basement workshop.

His innovative design put an end to cumbersome and maintenance prone water-cooled systems, as well as the piggyback configurations once commonly used to cover broad horsepower and torque range combination's which are frequently required in tension control applications.

Today the Montalvo Corporation's product line includes load cells, analog and digital web tension controllers, ultrasonic controllers, brakes, clutches, web tension indicators, web guiding equipment, as well as safety chucks.

In 1976, Montalvo founded The Montalvo Corporation in the State of Maine, USA. In December of 1978, the factory nearly tripled in size and in 1984, yet another expansion occurred.

Edwin J. Montalvo, Sr. died in 1985. By that time, the high product standards that he instituted had propelled his company to international distinction as a manufacturer of web tension control equipment. That tradition continues with Margaret Montalvo, Ed's widow as CEO, and his son Ed and daughter Midge as co-Managing Directors.

During May and June of 2001, Montalvo moved from Portland into a new manufacturing facility in Gorham, Maine, USA.