A HISTORY OF INNOVATION

Henry Ziemann, a master carpenter, founded the Empire Level Manufacturing Corporation in 1919. As the inventor of the modern level, he started a revolution in the industry that became the cornerstone of Empire.

In its first three years, Empire created the adjustable level with interchangeable and replaceable vials. They followed this first success with a series of innovations: the torpedo level, the Mono vial, the magnetic level and the first extruded aluminum rafter square. The company also introduced top read levels, Monster vials, interlocking T-Squares and invented the snap-in vial. They currently hold more than thirty active patents.

Over the years, Empire has been strengthened by a number of acquisitions including:

1975 Merley Squares (squares)
1987 Peerless Level Company (wood levels)
1995 Thor Manufacturing Company (caution tape)
2000 Hempe Manufacturing (precision tools/miter boxes)
2000 Custom Plastics (advanced engineering)
2010 Acquired American Level Brand (mahogany levels)

Though the company has a history of accomplishments, they're more focused than ever on the future. In 2003, Jenni Becker was named President at Empire. She grew up in the family business and took over the reins as the 5th generation President. Becker had a successful career in education and had earned both a Masters in Education and an MBA. Becker has an aggressive spirit and a can-do attitude that are both highly contagious.

Becker believes three things set Empire apart from other level manufacturing companies: 1) scientific and market research; 2) engineering innovation; and 3) an insatiable commitment to listening to the professional. One of her first moves was to pioneer the super-accurate True Blue® vial which is at the heart of Empire's premium levels and squares.

Today Empire Level is the leading designer and producer of levels, squares, layout tools and caution tape in the United States with dominant market share in the retail, contractor supply, and ''Do-It-Yourself'' markets.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FACT SHEET PDF | CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PRESIDENT'S BIO PDF