APM Has Nearly 120 Years of Experience

American Plating and Manufacturing Company (APM), based in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the largest domestic manufacturers of band instrument parts and accessories in the United States. It has been manufacturing items for the music industry with fine plating finishes for nearly 120 years.  We are a third generation, family-owned business that focuses on craftsmanship and quality.

APM was founded in 1902. The first generation owner, Charles Urban Sr., had begun his career in the music industry at the age of 14 when he got a job at a music store in Europe to supplement his family's income.

APM originated as a specialist in plating and lacquering fenders for horse-drawn buggies and early model cars.  With Charles Sr.'s interest in music, the business advanced its core skills of polishing, plating and lacquering in the 1920's into repairing brass brand instruments.  During WWII, APM was one of a few authorized businesses to repair musical instruments used in all branches of the Armed Services, and also had the privilege of plating connectors for U.S. submarines. APM later began manufacturing band instrument parts as an add on to instrument repairs.  The company eventually turned its focus to band instrument accessory manufacturing.

In 1963, Charles Urban Sr. retired and Charles Urban Jr. took the helm of APM.  Charles Jr., himself a clarinet and saxophone player, spent his early career working with his father at APM.  Charles Jr. is credited with working with the various OEM instrument manufacturers to develop a "standard" line of music lyres. Charles Jr. also provided the vision and commitment for a complete modernization of APM's manufacturing facilities, which now reside only a short distance from the company's original location.

A New Generation Takes the Helm

The company's current president, Karl Urban, is the grandson of Charles Urban Sr., and is the third generation owner of the Chicago based firm.  Karl, who holds a master's degree in engineering management, cut his teeth in manufacturing while working for GE and then as a supply chain business consultant.  Karl also plays the clarinet and is an avid collector of vintage gramophones. Karl had long been involved with APM by the time he acquired the company in 2000 and worked with Charles Jr. in moving APM to its current, modernized location. 

APM uses a combination of manual and automated processes to manufacture a full line of musical instrument parts and accessories.  In recent years, APM has adapted its plating technology to incorporate specialty plating capabilities for the electrical power transmission industry, and can apply its plating technology to other products.  

APM's customer base can be found across the America's, Europe and Asia.  The company also manufacturers a number of private label products for some of the top names in the industry. 

APM Is A Leading Member of the Music Industry

We are a proud member of the National Association of Music Manufacturers (NAMM). NAMM is committed to growing the market and reach of music, and advocating for policy at the local, state, national and international levels to promote the value of music in the U.S.A. Chuck Urban is a part of NAMM’s oral history, and his interview can be seen here: https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/charles-urban

APM is one of the original, founding donors to the the Museum of Making Music — a division of the NAMM Foundation — located in Carlsbad, California. The museum opened to the public on March 5, 2000. Its mission is to "explore the accomplishments and impact of the music products industry through educational and interactive exhibitions and programs and directly connect visitors with hands-on music making."

The museum curates public exhibits that relate to the history of American popular music, the manufacture and retail of musical instruments and the history of the music products industry from the 1890s to the present day. The museum also organizes public events, performances and lectures whose purpose is to entertain, educate and inform audiences of the benefits and heritage of making music.

APM - Strong Roots in the Past, Clear Vision for the Future

From horse-drawn carriage fenders to the global supply of high quality accessories for Woodwind and Brass instruments, APM has demonstrated the flexibility to meet its customers' evolving needs in an ever-changing world.

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