United Manufacturing Co.

United Manufacturing Co. was established in 1942 in Chicago by Lyndon “Lyn” Durant and Harry E. Williams, both of whom had prior experience with coin-operated amusements at companies like Exhibit Supply and Rock-Ola. Although Williams soon left to form Williams Manufacturing, Durant continued United’s operations, focusing on refurbishing existing coin-op machines during World War II and later transitioning to original production. The company became known as one of the major mid-century pinball and arcade manufacturers in Chicago’s thriving amusement industry, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s.

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United produced an array of successful machines, including traditional pinball tables and a broad range of novelty electro-mechanical amusements. Its bowling-themed “shuffle alley” games, introduced in 1949, played a significant role in popularizing bowling-style puck games and allowed the firm to diversify beyond standard pinball. Additionally, United advanced pitch-and-bat baseball machines with innovative features—such as adjustable batting strength and simulated pitching styles—that heightened the realism of arcade baseball. In the early 1960s, the company was acquired by the Seeburg Corporation, which merged many of United’s operations into other coin-op divisions and ceased releasing new products under the United name. Despite its closure, United Manufacturing Co. left a lasting influence on mid-century pinball design and is fondly remembered for its creative bowling, baseball, and pinball titles that helped shape the American amusement landscape.