When driving over the Smock Bridge arriving into Meadville, the strong scent of dog food fills your nostrils as you see smoke stacks fill the air. On the right you a giant billboard for Channellock along with their factory, a nationally renowned tool that gave Meadville the nickname Tool City USA. Driving through Meadville, it’s easy to see that this is an industrial town. But how did these companies thrive to the point where they are today? Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, Acutec Space and Precision, Channellock Inc, and C&J Industries are the top for-profit, privately-owned employers in Meadville according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Meadville, the Christopher Columbus of the zipper established Meadville as the manufacturing town it is today. Look further to see how these manufacturing companies have evolved through the 1800s to today. Click on the respective time period to learn more about each time frame.