American Plating & Manufacturing Company

American Plating and Manufacturing Company (APM), based in Chicago, Illinois has celebrated over 110 years as a musical product manufacturer. We are a third generation, family-owned business that focuses on craftsmanship and quality.

APM is one of the largest domestic manufacturers of band instrument parts and accessories. 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. APM later began manufacturing band instrument parts as an add on to instrument repairs. The company eventually ceased instrument repairs in order to focus on band instrument accessory manufacturing.