Kenosha's first brass factory as it appeared in about 1886. T. M. Avery, owner of the Elgin Watch Company, organized the Chicago Brass Company in 1886 in order to create a supply of brass in the central part of the country. The company manufactured brazed tubes, organ reeds, printers' galleys and other smaller items. In 1912, American Brass Company purchased the smaller company and the Kenosha plant then became American Brass Company.