History/Timeline

The Past, Present & Future of Nichols Portland, Inc.

In the late 1920s, W.H. Nichols Company began a groundbreaking journey as the inaugural manufacturer of gerotor pumps worldwide. Collaborating closely with the gerotor’s inventor, Myron Hill, W.H. Nichols engineered the equipment capable of crafting the complex gear shape.

This technological revolution led to the production of the world’s first gerotor pump and showcased our deeply rooted innovative spirit.

Today, our team is proud of our long history, but also acknowledges we have to continue to move forward. Our company continues to be an industry pioneer, innovating daily and maintaining a competitive learning culture that sets us apart. Our successful history is only the beginning of our story as we continue to develop and boldly embrace the challenges of tomorrow.

1904

W.H. Nichols & Son was founded in Waltham, MA.

1904

1930

First production gerotor launched at Waltham plant.

1930

1967

Alpha Sintered Metals found in Ridgway.

1967

1968

W.H. Nichols Co. opens Nichols Portland Division.

1968

1971

Nichols Portland Division starts production of powder metal gerotors.

1971

1984

Parker Hannifin acquires Nichols Portland Division.

1984

2000

Alpha Sintered Metals pioneered PM stainless steel applications for automotive exhaust and after-treatment systems.

2000

2004

Nichols Portland’s first mechanical pump assembly sold under Parker.

2004

2015

Alpha Sintered Metals launches Metal Injection Molding greenfield start-up.

2015

2016

Nichols Portland Division is purchased by Altus Captial Partners, establishing Nichols Portland LLC. Alpha Sintered Metals acquires PM parts maker Precision Compacted Components of Wilcox, PA, founded in 1994; also acquired the assets of MIM producer Precision made Products of Brunswick, OH, founded in 2002.

2016

Alpha Sintered Metals acquires PM parts-maker Precision Compacted Components of Wilcox, PA, founded in 1994; also acquired the assets of MIM producer Precision Made Products of Brunswick, OH, founded in 2002.