About Us

Our Enduring Legacy: Generations of Excellence Since 1904

AM Tech Plaques proudly traces its roots to the Wheeler Brothers Brass Foundry, a family business built on craftsmanship, resilience, and innovation since 1904. It all began in a modest woodshed in South Troy, NY, where Joseph and Henry Wheeler, alongside their father—Emily Wheeler’s great-grandfather—poured their passion into what would become a thriving industrial enterprise. By 1912, their reputation for precision and quality had led to a major expansion and groundbreaking work, including some of the largest aluminum castings of their time.

The foundry hit its peak during World War II, producing vital military components for the Watervliet Arsenal. From there, our craftsmanship helped shape iconic moments in American history—special alloys for early steam locomotives, bronze components for the Apollo 15 Moon Rover, custom motorcycle parts for the Grateful Dead, and even bronze horseshoes presented to President George W. Bush.

Through the years, each generation has upheld the same values: honest work, masterful artistry, and unwavering integrity. In 1959, third-generation foundryman Morrie Wheeler joined the business and, through decades of industry shifts and challenges, preserved its legacy with pride and determination. His daughter, Emily Wheeler, took the reins in 2018—becoming the fourth generation to carry the torch.

Today, AM Tech Plaques specializes in custom bronze and aluminum plaques that honor individuals, institutions, and moments that matter. From the restoration of historic landmarks to the creation of veteran memorials across the country, our work is a testament to timeless American craftsmanship. While we no longer manufacture in-house, we work closely with a trusted U.S. foundry to produce our plaques—ensuring the same exceptional quality, precision, and service that have defined our name for over a century.

When you choose AM Tech, you’re not just purchasing a plaque—you’re becoming part of a living legacy rooted in four generations of excellence, dedication, and heart.

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Witness Our History in Motion

Delve deeper into our rich past and see the craftsmanship that has defined us for generations:

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Our Quality Plaque Production Process: From Concept to Lasting Tribute

Even though our custom plaques are now produced through expert outsourcing, Morrie Wheeler established rigorous standards that Emily continues to uphold. The same level of quality and craftsmanship he brought to every project in his foundry from the 1960s to the 1980s is still meticulously maintained today.

Here’s a glimpse into the precise steps that bring your custom bronze plaque to life:

1. Artwork Layout: We begin by producing your plaque design using the latest computer graphics technology. You will receive a detailed proof of this layout for your approval before we proceed with casting.
2. Plaque Pattern: Our plaque patterns are photographically produced directly from your approved artwork layout. This advanced pattern-making technique ensures that your bronze plaque is an exact duplicate of your design.
3. Mold Creation: Your precise plaque pattern is used to create an impression in a specially treated sand mold. Each custom mold is used only once to guarantee perfect detail for your unique plaque.
4. Bronze Casting: The high-quality bronze alloy is heated to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit using modern induction furnaces. At this molten temperature, the bronze is carefully poured into your custom mold. After cooling and solidifying, the mold is broken apart to reveal your newly cast bronze plaque.
5. Finishing: Your plaque undergoes several meticulous finishing operations. Initial steps involve cutting, grinding, metal chasing, and precise machining. Final finishing includes sandblasting for texture, background coloring, and satin polishing to bring out the bronze’s natural luster. Your plaque is then prepared and coated with our special tarnish-resistant clear lacquer, providing lasting protection for both indoor and outdoor mounting.
6. Delivery: Our commitment to skilled craftsmanship and state-of-the-art equipment enables us to efficiently produce one-of-a-kind custom bronze plaques. Our standard delivery is typically 5-7 weeks after your final artwork approval.

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