The Barber Colman Company was a prominent manufacturer with a diverse range of products, including textile machinery, engine control systems, and industrial instruments. Founded in 1894 by Howard Colman and W.A. Barber in Rockford, Illinois, the company grew significantly over the years, expanding into various markets such as machine tools, electrical systems, and process controls.

Barber Colman was established in 1894 when Howard Colman and W.A. Barber founded the company in Rockford's Water Power District. It was officially incorporated in 1904. The company rapidly expanded, establishing divisions such as the Machine Tool Division in 1908, Experimental Division in 1914, and Electrical Division in 1924. By the mid-1970s, Barber Colman employed up to 3,000 workers. After Howard Colman's death in 1942, the company remained family-owned until Walter Colman's death in 1983. The company then underwent significant changes, with various divisions being sold off, and manufacturing on the Rockford campus ceasing in 2001.

Barber Colman was known for its innovative and diverse product lines. Key competencies included the development and manufacturing of:

• Textile machinery and high-speed warpers.
• Engine control systems, particularly the DYNA products for off-highway diesel and gas engines.
• Industrial instruments, including temperature and process controls for plastics processing.

At its peak, Barber Colman was a leading manufacturer in several industries, including textile machinery, engine control systems, and industrial instruments. However, after the company's divisions were sold off and manufacturing ceased, its market position was significantly diminished. Today, many of its legacy products continue to be manufactured and supported by other companies, such as Woodward Inc..

The complete product catalog of Barber Colman includes a wide range of products across its various divisions. For engine control systems, this includes the DYNA products and associated components. For textile machinery, it includes high-speed warpers and other textile processing equipment. The industrial instruments division offers temperature and process controls for plastics processing. However, since the company is no longer in operation, the current availability of these products is through legacy support and continued manufacturing by other companies like Woodward Inc..

While specific client names are not readily available, Barber Colman's products were widely used in various industries such as textile manufacturing, off-highway equipment, and industrial processes. Clients would have included manufacturers of textile products, heavy machinery, and industrial equipment.

Barber Colman has been associated with several companies over the years:

• Woodward Inc.: Acquired the DYNA engine control systems division in 2003 and continues to manufacture these products under the APECS product line name.
• Reed-Chatwood: Purchased the textile division and property in 1984.
• Siebe PLC (later Invensys): Acquired the metal finishing division in 1987.

Since Barber Colman is no longer an operational company, direct contacts are not available. However, for legacy products and support, contacts can be made through companies like Woodward Inc. or Coltrading (CTE), which continue to support and manufacture Barber Colman products.

Barber Colman does not have an official website since it is no longer in operation. However, information about its legacy products can be found on the websites of companies that continue to manufacture and support these products, such as Woodward Inc. and Coltrading (CTE).