The Association was established "to promote and further the interests of its members in manufacturing, engineering, research, safety, transportation and other problems of the industry. Problems anticipated with conversion to the metric system also prompted the formation of the new unit."

The American Measuring Tool Manufacturers Association held its organization meeting in New York City on August 21, 1973. Founding member firms were Alina Corp., Plainview, L.I.; Bendix Corp. Automation & Measurement Division, Dayton, OH.; Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co., North Kingstown, R.I.; Chicago Dial Indicator Co., Des Plaines, Ill.; Glastonbury Gage, REB. IND., Glastonbury, Conn.; Greenfield Tap & Die Co.,Greenfield, Mass.; Jones & Lamson division, Waterbury Farrel, Springfield, Vt.; MTI Corp., New York City; Pratt & Whitney, Small Tool division, West Hartford, Conn.; Regal Beloit Corp., South Beloit, Ill.: Scherr-Tumico, Inc., St. James, Minn.; J.T. Slocomb Co., South Glastonbury, Mass.; and Van Keuren Co., Watertown, Mass.