Firwood~ASM is currently located Akron, OH and has been part of the Poling Group since 2003. However, Firwood's history goes back nearly seventy years and its inception starts with the determination and ingenuity of Merrill Ericson.

Firwood Manufacturing Company was started by Merrill Ericson in 1940, on Firwood Street in Detroit, MI. Initially the company made small parts for the auto industry with Merrill working nights at Firwood and a day job in the tool room at Ford Motor Company.   After much hard work and success, he left Ford to devote all his time to Firwood.  The new company soon outgrew its building, and in 1948, moved to a new building on Kean Street in Dearborn, MI.

Merrill was a graduate of the Ford Trade School, and used his education and sales skills to gain a reputation as a quality supplier of parts and assemblies to companies that included US Royal Tire Co. (Uniroyal). This association led to manufacturing the Post Cure Inflation machine for all the tire industry, as well as the development of White Sidewall Grinders, Bead Wrappers, Bias Cutters, Tread Skivers and other production tire machines.
 
In 2003, Firwood became part of the Poling Group, and changed its name to Firwood~ASM.  This was a positive move for both companies because Akron Special Machine, a division of the Poling Group, is known for its Tire Uniformity Machines and Firwood is known for its White Sidewall Grinders.  Both of these machines are in the final finish line of a tire production plant.  As a result of this merger, a customer can purchase and maintain all its finishing equipment from one vendor.