History

Sawyer was founded in 1948 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a manufacturer of pipeline equipment. Over the past 70-plus years,
we have grown from a regional manufacturer into a global provider of pipeline and welding equipment, and
custom fabricated components for the oil and gas industry.

Explore Key Moments in our History:

SAWYER HISTORY

1943
1943

Moving to Tulsa

Red Sawyer is employed by Manning, Maxwell and Moore and transferred from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

1947
1947

Exploring opportunities

Red Sawyer begins exploring several business opportunities around Tulsa, including refinery work. He leases a building on King Street to refine and refurbish valves and fittings.

1948
1948

Supplying Pipeline Equipment – Compact and Large Manual Internal Clamp

Supplying Pipeline Equipment – Compact and Large Manual Internal Clamp

Whitey Crose, Crose Manufacturing, approaches Red Sawyer about fulfilling the equipment needs of pipeliners. Red Sawyer and engineer AB Jensen form a partnership, Sawyer-Jensen Company, with their first location at the intersection of First and Lewis in Tulsa. To meet the basic pipeline requirements of aligning pipe and cutting and..Read More

1948

First Facility

First Facility

Sawyer Manufacturing Company builds its first facility, located at 1021 N. Columbia Place

1948

George Bright Joins the Team

George Bright Joins the Team

George Bright, Shop Manager, joins the Sawyer team to supervise manufacturing of the newly developed products.

1950
1950

Coupon Cutter

Coupon Cutter

The Coupon Cutter is developed and manufactured to cut a consistent, quick sample for testing welds. On the pipeline, welders require an AC power source for the jobsite. Sawyer Manufacturing Company introduces Power Buggies, an AC generator. Slag Busters to clean welds between passes are also developed and released.

1955
1955

Pipe Grinder

Pipe Grinder

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Pipe Grinder, which creates the land after the bevel.

1955

Crose Forms MJ Crose International

Crose Forms MJ Crose International

Sawyer Manufacturing Company continues to manufacture equipment as Crose Manufacturing merges to form MJ Crose International.

1956
1956

Thomas G. Sawyer on the Pipeline

Thomas G. Sawyer, son of Red Sawyer, at age 14, begins working on the pipeline as a laborer. This time spent working on the pipeline would later prove beneficial when designing equipment for the pipeline.

1957
1957

External Ratchet Clamp

External Ratchet Clamp

Pipelines were demanding a sturdier, quicker and more precise clamp on the job. Sawyer Manufacturing Company responded with the first generation of the External Ratchet Clamp.

1958
1958

Tractor Bending Shoe

Tractor Bending Shoe

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Tractor Bending Shoe as an alternative for small diameter pipe to be bent effectively.

1960
1960

Equipment Lines Expand

As the demand for oil grows, so does the pipeline size and infrastructure along with environmental regulations. Sawyer Manufacturing Company diversifies alongside the increasing demand, developing more than 25 equipment solutions for the expanding industry.

1960

Pipeline Pigs

Pipeline Pigs

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures Pipeline Plugging Pigs and begins pig testing.

1960

Aluminum Alignment Clamps

Aluminum Alignment Clamps

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Aluminum Line-Up Clamp as a small diameter clamp for pipe 6” and smaller. This clamp is popular for farmers and ranchers as well as pipeline welders.

1964
1964

SMC Band and Crawler

SMC Band and Crawler

As the diameter of pipeline pipe increases, a larger band is required. Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the SMC Band and Crawler to accommodate pipe up to 60” and larger.

1965
1965

Dent Remover

Dent Remover

For the toughest pipe reclamation requirements, Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Dent Remover.

1967
1967

Quick Set Beveling Machine

Quick Set Beveling Machine

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Quick Set beveling machine, a lighter machine than the Compact to bevel smaller pipe. The Quick Set models 0, 1 and 2 bevel pipe 14” and smaller.

1967

Elizabeth Login Joins the Team

Sawyer Manufacturing Company welcomes Elizabeth Logan, Office Manager, to the team.

1967

Thomas G Sawyer Joins the Team

Thomas G. Sawyer began working full-time at Sawyer Manufacturing Company handling service and equipment design.

1967

IPECO

IPECO

International Pipeline Equipment, IPECO, a subsidiary of Sawyer Manufacturing Company is established and begins manufacturing pipeline plugs that are able to pig the line at any time, eliminating the need to drain the pipe.

1968
1968

Pipe Hook

Pipe Hook

Pipeline begins coating pipe with the modern coating instead of tar. Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and introduces the current design of the Pipe Hook manufactured with aluminum inserts that provide added protection of the pipe.

1969
1969

Pipe Bending Machines

Pipe Bending Machines

Sawyer Manufacturing Company continues to diversify and designs a revolutionary approach to the manner in which cylinders are used on pipe bending machines. As a natural progression to building cylinders and bending machine components, Sawyer Manufacturing Company also begins manufacturing bending machines for Mid-Continent Pipeline Equipment Co (MidCon).

1969

Sawyer Brand Equipment

Sawyer Manufacturing Company expands its distribution and begins to manufacture and sell equipment under the Sawyer brand.

1969

Double Spool Winch

Double Spool Winch

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the internal workings for side booms. Draw Works, a Double Spool Winch, is manufactured for MJ Crose Manufacturing to be used on an Alice Chalmers Pipe Layer.

1969

#3 Quick Set Beveling Machine

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the internal workings for side booms. Draw Works, a Double Spool Winch, is manufactured for MJ Crose Manufacturing to be used on an Alice Chalmers Pipe Layer.

1970
1970

Friction Drive Beveler

Friction Drive Beveler

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Friction Drive Beveler.

1971
1971

Pipe Hooks

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures improved Pipe Hooks.

1971

20 Ton Tensile Tester

20 Ton Tensile Tester

As a solution for testing welds in the field, Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the portable 20-Ton Strap Bender, Tensile Tester.

1972
1972

Roller Cradle

Roller Cradle

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Roller Cradle, a safe way to lower pipe into the ditch, for MidCon.

1973
1973

Ditch Pump

Ditch Pump

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures a Ditch Pump to quickly remove water from a flooded ditch for CRC.

1974
1974

Second Facility

Sawyer Manufacturing Company expands to its second facility, located at 1031 N. Columbia Place.

1974

Trans-Alaska Pipeline

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is built to combat the sharp rise in oil prices after the 1973 oil crisis. During this time, Sawyer Manufacturing Company continues to produce innovative pipeline equipment and expand its product line.

1975
1975

External Ratchet Clamp

External Ratchet Clamp

Big pipeline projects are developing worldwide, especially in the Middle East. Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the External Segmented Hydraulic Clamp, solving the need for a large diameter clamp for pipe 72” and larger.

1975

Lined Bending Sets

Lined Bending Sets

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the second generation of the External Ratchet Clamp; designed for out-of-round pipe.

1976
1976

George Bright Retires

George Bright, Shop Manager, retires after 27 years with Sawyer Manufacturing Company.

1978
1978

Backup Clamps

Backup Clamps

Sawyer Manufacturing Company reaches beyond the pipeline and develops and manufactures Backup Clamps for a Bell Telephone Company.

1979
1979

Red Sawyer Retires

Red Sawyer retires after 31 years; his son, Thomas G. Sawyer, succeeds as President.

1980
1980

Positive Outlook

Positive Outlook

Due to the effects of inflation and increased energy costs during the 1980’s, Sawyer Manufacturing Company refocused on navigating the difficulties of a nationwide recession with a positive outlook on the future economic climate for better sales and more customer outreach.

1980

Red Adaire

Red Adaire

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures a Pipe Cutoff Machine for famous American oil well firefighter, Red Adaire.

1981
1981

Accuwrap I

Accuwrap I

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Accuwrap I, the portable answer to the larger tape stands already in production.

1981

Pipe Expander

Pipe Expander

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Pipe Expander to combat pipe egging.

1982
1982

Richard Mason Joins the Team

Richard Mason, Shop Manager, joins the Sawyer team to supervise the manufacturing of Sawyer equipment.

1982

Hydraulic Clamp

Hydraulic Clamp

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures an Air/Hydraulic Clamp.

1994
1994

Improved Coupon Cutter

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures an improved design of the Coupon Cutter.

1998
1998

50th Anniversary

50th Anniversary

Sawyer Manufacturing Company celebrates its 50th Anniversary

2000
2000

25 and 50 Ton Tensile Testers

25 and 50 Ton Tensile Testers

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the 25 & 50-Ton Tensile Testers in production today

2007
2007

Dave Hembree Joins the Team

Sawyer Manufacturing Company welcomes Dave Hembree, Vice President.

2008
2008

Motor Kits

Sawyer Manufacturing Company redesigns motorization kits for beveling machines.

2009
2009

Elizabeth Logan Retires

Elizabeth Logan, Office Manager, retires after 45 years of service

2010
2010

Scott Persson Joins the Team

Scott Persson, the grandson of Red Sawyer, starts working at Sawyer Manufacturing Company.

2010

Redesigned Pipe Hooks

Redesigned Pipe Hooks

With safety in mind, Sawyer Manufacturing Company redesigns the pipe hooks to add handles for safe use.

2012
2012

Internal Beveling Bands

Internal Beveling Bands

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures an innovative Internal Band for our Band Beveling Machines, to bevel inside the pipe.

2012

Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting

Sawyer Mfg. Co is awarded the 2021 Oklahoma Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting

2013
2013

Grasshopper

Grasshopper

Sawyer Manufacturing Company, in partnership with Charles Hicks, a West Virginia rig welder, develops and manufactures the Grasshopper to solve arc burn, a common welding deformity that costs time and money on the pipeline.

2013

New Facility

New Facility

Sawyer Manufacturing Company moves to a new 54,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and office facility

2013

Sawyer International

Sawyer International

Sawyer Manufacturing Company invests in global manufacturing and acquires PSW Consultants Engineering LTD, adding products and providing global support.

2013

Tulsa Fast 40

Sawyer Mfg. Co is included in the Journal Record – Tulsa Fast 40. A list of the 40 fastest growing companies in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

2014
2014

Richard Mason Retires

Richard Mason, Shop Manager, retires after 32 years with Sawyer Manufacturing Company

2014

John Morelock Joins the Team

John Morelock, Shop Manager, joins the Sawyer team to supervise the manufacturing and development of Sawyer equipment and fabrication.

2014

Spacing Wedge

Spacing Wedge

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures two sizes of the Spacing Wedge.

2014

Manufacturer of the Year

Sawyer Mfg. Co  is awarded the Manufacturer of the Year award from the Tulsa Regional Chamber

2015

Tom Sawyer Retires

Thomas G Sawyer, President and son of founder Red Sawyer retires after over 50 years of service

Oklahoma Small Business Exporter of the Year

After being named as the Region VI Exporter of the Year, the U.S. Small Business Administration elects Sawyer Mfg. as the Oklahoma Small Business Exporter of the Year and sends them on to the national level award.

2015

Region VI Exporter of the Year

The U.S. Small Business Administration names Sawyer Mfg. Company as the Region VI Exporter of the Year. As the regional winner, Sawyer is sent on to the state competition.

2015

National Exporter of the Year

Sawyer Mfg. Company wins at the national level and is named as the 2015 National Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

2016
2016

Sawyer Fabrication

Sawyer Fabrication

Sawyer Mfg. Company established, Sawyer Fabrication, a new division focused on custom metal fabrication. Sawyer Fabrication is ASME certified with R & U stamps and fully outfitted for piping systems, skids, and heavy structural weld.

2016

Grinder Holder

Grinder Holder

Sawyer Manufacturing Company develops and manufactures the Grinder Holder, a welding tool that keeps Grinders, a Rheostat box and additional tools organized and easily accessible.

2017
2017

Welding Rod Bucket

Welding Rod Bucket

Sawyer Mfg. Company releases the Welding Rod Bucket, a large 5 gal. stainless steel bucket with partitioned dividers for holding welding rods and stubs.

2018
2018

Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting

Sawyer Mfg. Co is awarded the 2018 Oklahoma Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting

2019
2019

Inc. 5000

Sawyer Mfg. Company is included on the Inc. 5000 list – #3384 – a list of the fastest-growing privately owned business in America.

2019

Cordless Motor Kit

Motorized Crawler Kit

Sawyer Mfg. Company develops and manufactures the Cordless Motor Kit – a battery-operated Motor Kit for the Band Crawler

2019

Pipe Stand

Pipe Stand

Sawyer Mfg. Company releases the Folding V Head Pipe Stand to U.S. markets.

2020
2020

Sawyer Saddle Machine

Sawyer Saddle Machine

Sawyer Mfg. Company introduces the new Sawyer Saddle Machine

2020

Inc. 5000

Sawyer Mfg. Company is included on the Inc. 5000 list – #3886 – a list of the fastest-growing privately owned business in America.

2021
2021

Manufacturer of the Year

Sawyer Mfg. Co  is awarded the Small Business Manufacturer of the Year award from the Tulsa Regional Chamber

2021

The Cowboy100

Sawyer Mfg. Company is included in The Cowboy100 – recognizing outstanding entrepreneurship throughout OSU’s alumni base.

2022
2022

Oklahoma Manufacturer of the Year

Sawyer Mfg. Co. is awarded the Small Business Manufacturer of the Year award for the state of Oklahoma from the U.S. Small Business Administration

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