Our History
The Ultimate Factory Service Provider Since 1937
With over 80 years of industry experience, you can trust Bulldog Factory Automation to provide top-notch solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
Our History Timeline
Bulldog Automation was Founded
Bulldog Automation, founded in 1937 by Percy Edick, initially began as a small service provider for local factories in Detroit. The success of these early jobs led to the establishment of Bulldog Factory Service on Buchanan Street, where Percy’s son, Ernest, and son-in-law, Joe, joined the team.
Expanded Operations
As the company continued to grow, they moved to a larger facility on South Campbell Street in Detroit in 1941 and got involved in war work during World War II, with Ernest serving in the Navy. After the war, they incorporated as Bulldog Factory Service Inc., focusing on custom conveyor design and fabrication, as well as general service work.
Bulldog Crane and Conveyor was Born
In the 1950s, Bulldog created a separate entity, Bulldog Crane and Conveyor, specializing in custom conveyors and establishing a standard for overhead cranes. They also won a substantial labor contract from GM for changeover work at Chevrolet plants in the Detroit area.
Power Transmission Merchandise
In the late 1950s and 1960s, Ernest managed the business, and they began selling power transmission merchandise, including industrial chain, gearboxes, and couplings. They expanded their capabilities with the addition of another crane bay in 1963 and patented a clay processing machine in 1964.
Conveyors and Service Work
In 1991, Ernest Jr. took over the company, emphasizing conveyors and service work for metal stamping plants, and developing scrap handling conveyors, blank destackers, and indexing conveyors.
Expanded Services
In 2005, the business was sold to Joe Newton, who brought a background in mechanical engineering. Under his leadership, Bulldog expanded its services, specializing in designing and building tools for body in white assembly lines for companies like Ford, Chrysler, Magna, and Tower Automotive.
Merged Buildings
Bulldog initially had two facilities in Shelby Township and Detroit, but they merged into one in Madison Heights in 2007, offering engineering and manufacturing services.
Added New Manufacturing Space
The Madison Heights facility was further expanded in 2017 with an additional 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Full-Service Integrator
Nitehawk Design then merged with Bulldog Factory Services, transforming it into a full-service integrator with design, manufacturing, and installation capabilities, operating as a non-union company.
Acquired by Huizenga Group Automation
Most recently, in August 2022, Bulldog Factory Automation was acquired by Huizenga Group Automation, further expanding its reach and capabilities.