American Machine and Foundry

American Machine and Foundry (AMF) was a diversified American manufacturing company founded in 1900 by Rufus L. Patterson Jr. The company began with ties to tobacco-processing machinery and later expanded through acquisitions and diversification into consumer and recreational products. Its historical businesses included bowling equipment, bicycles, fitness equipment, tennis rackets, and boats. AMF is also widely associated with its ownership of Harley-Davidson during the late twentieth century. Over time, AMF’s businesses and brands were sold, separated, or incorporated into other companies. Today, the name is chiefly encountered as a historical corporate name and in connection with bowling-related products. Its current legal structure and ownership are not established here.

American Machine and Foundry was established in the United States in 1900, with early activities connected to tobacco-processing machinery. The company later pursued diversification, expanding into industrial equipment, consumer goods, sporting products, and leisure businesses. Bowling equipment became one of its best-known activities, while the broader AMF portfolio also included bicycles, fitness equipment, tennis rackets, and boats. In 1969, AMF acquired Harley-Davidson, making the motorcycle manufacturer part of its diversified group. Harley-Davidson was subsequently acquired from AMF in 1981 by a management-led investor group. AMF later underwent restructuring and asset disposals, and its former business portfolio became fragmented among different owners. Because reliable public information is insufficient to establish a single continuing legal entity, current owner, or complete brand-licensing structure, this entry treats AMF primarily as a historical American manufacturing company and a name associated with bowling products.

• 1981
• 1969
• 1900

• Bowling equipment

  Bowling equipment was one of AMF’s most recognizable businesses, covering lanes, pin-setting and scoring-related equipment, and other products used in bowling centers.

• Bicycles

  AMF formerly offered bicycles as part of its diversified consumer-products portfolio, serving everyday cycling and recreational markets.

• Fitness equipment

  Fitness equipment was one of AMF’s sporting and recreational product lines, reflecting the company’s expansion from industrial manufacturing into consumer markets.

• Tennis rackets

  AMF formerly produced or marketed tennis rackets as part of its diversified sporting-goods portfolio.

• Boats

  Boats and related leisure products were historically part of AMF’s diversified operations, showing its presence in several outdoor and recreational markets.