​Established in 1962

In 1899, the America Car and Foundry Corporation (ACF) was founded when the Jackson and Woodin Manufacturing Company and smaller companies combined to form the new entity.  This company represented the largest facility of its kind in the eastern part of the U. S.  The company built railroad box cars, coal cars, freight cars and other products used by the rail systems.  During this time, there were approximately 2,000 workers employed at the industrial site. 

In 1904, ACF developed and delivered the first of the all-steel passenger subway cars to the New York Subway system.

During WWI, the plant switched some of their production to manufacture needed equipment to support the war effort.  War time production during this period included gun carriages, three-inch shells, and artillery shells.  The production capacity of the industrial complex was so large that the military contracts could be filled while continuing some allocation of production resources to produce railroad equipment.

During WWII, the facility was retrofit to manufacture tanks, bomb shells and other artillery equipment.  This war time production was known as the "arsenal of democracy".  This production provided for the military needs of American troops and that of our allies. 

In the spring of 1938, the ACF plant was one of several sites selected by the War Department to produce tanks for the support of the allies.  The first order was received that year to build three hundred and ninety-two M2A4 tanks (the Stuart Tank).  The first tank was delivered on August 14, 1940, sixteen days ahead of schedule. 

During the 1950's, ACF created a nuclear products division which produced nuclear reactors.  The final contract was completed in 1956 when the Atomic Energy Company of Sweden contracted for a 30,000 kilowatt light water nuclear research and material reactor. 

On November 8, 1961 ACF announced the industrial complex would be closing.  Being the major employer to the area, this news was devastating to the community.  

When the plant closed, it left 2,800 unemployed workers. ​

---

Incorporated in 1958

​B.I.D.A. was incorporated as a private, non-profit industrial development corporation in 1958.

B.I.D.A. is a 501(c)(6), economic development organization that assists with business recruitment, retention and development.