History
Tracing our roots to the 1800's, Ashworth has been a major supplier of conveyor belts to the food processing and other industries since 1946, when Ashworth Bros., Inc. formed the Metal Products Division and began production of woven metal conveyor belts in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1967, Ashworth revolutionized the food processing industry with the development of its patented lotension spiral system. Today, Ashworth maintains a manufacturing facility in Winchester, Virginia, USA, along with a worldwide network of sales offices, distributors and agents.
As the lotension experts, Ashworth offers the most comprehensive range of spiral and turn-curve belting available on the market, including the all-metal, industry-standard, Omni-Grid®; newly-patented, super-strong Omni-ProTM; and our revolutionary new family of plastic and steel hybrid belts, the AdvantageTM. We also know a thing or two about straight-running belts, introducing our industry-standard CB5 Baking Band® in 1967 and Cleatrac®, a positively driven transfer belt that allows the tightest transfers in the industry, in 1988.
We know how important our product performance is to your business. That is why we are dedicated to providing quality, trouble-free products to our customers, backed by exceptional service. Trust Ashworth - We Keep You Running!
1946 Ashworth Belting Production Begins
After over 80 years of manufacturing card clothing, Ashworth Bros., Inc., forms the Metal Products Division and begins production of woven metal conveyor belts in Worcester, Massachusetts.
1955 Ashworth Opens a Manufacturing Facility in Winchester, VA
Metal belt production is transferred from Worcester, Massachusetts to a new plant in Winchester, Virginia which becomes the Belt Division Headquarters.
1959 Ashworth's First Line of Metal Turn-Curve Belting
Ashworth introduces and patents Omni-Flex® turn-curve belts.
1963 True Tracking
Ashworth introduced the true-tracking CB5 Baking Band that remains a standard oven band in the baking industry today.
1965 More Options in Turn Curve Belting
Omni-Grid is introduced and patented, extending Ashworth's line of turn-curve belts.
1967 The Revolutionary Lotension Spiral Conveyor System
Ashworth invented the Lotension Spiral Conveyor System and the related metal turn-curve belts that have become a world wide standard for cooking, freezing, proofing and cooling applications.
1988 The Tightest Transfers in the Industry
Ashworth introduced the Cleatrac belt, which offers the tightest product transfers in the industry.
1991 The Benefits of a Plastic Surface Combined with a Backbone of Steel
Ashworth was the first belt supplier to offer Hybrid belts, beginning with Omni-Lite®.
1995 Ashworth Expands Internationally
The acquisition of Jonge Poerink of Borne, The Netherlands, provides Ashworth with facilities in The Netherlands and in England. The addition of Jonge Poerink's broad line of conveyor belts and systems makes Ashworth a global supplier with the industry's most extensive range of products and capabilities.
1999 The First Non-Welded Metal Spiral and Turn Curve Belts
Fusion Grid® spiral and turn curve belts are introduced. The patented Fusion technology eliminates welds, offering increased belt strength and improved sanitation.
1999 Ashworth Offers the First Extended Warranties on Spiral Belting
2001 Ashworth Offers Engineering Services Assistance
Recognizing the increasing importance of the service aspects of our business, Ashworth Engineering Services was formalized-with the mandate and the motto, "We Keep You Running".
2004 Ashworth Introduces the Advantage Family of Hybrid Belts
Unlike its hybrid predecessors, the Advantage Family of spiral and turn-curve belts incorporates a modular plastic conveying surface and plastic links, providing the belt with features and benefits unmatched by modular plastic belts. At the same time, the Advantage sets the standard for hygiene and sanitation.
2005 On the Move-and Celebrating 50 Years of Production in Winchester
After 73 years of conducting business in Borne, Ashworth Jonge Poerink moves to a new, state-of-the-art production facility in Enschede, The Netherlands. Meanwhile, Ashworth Bros., Inc. celebrates 50 years of manufacturing quality conveyor belts in Winchester, VA, USA.
2006 Ashworth's Portfolio Showcases 60 Years of Belt Production
The Advantage 120/200 series of belts continues to change the face of belting industry as it becomes the first spiral belt to be Tested and Certified by NSF as well as USDA Accepted. Another new belt, the Advantage RL 75 hybrid, uses patented rod-lock technology for weld-free repairs.
2007 New Technologies and Services Launched
The high strength Omni-Pro hits the market with patented protrusion leg technology to keep systems running smoothly as well as patented buttonless rods and patented 360° welds for perfect welds and high strength. The new Ashworth Factory Service Corporation opens in Northfield, Minnesota to offer complete spiral service.