Port Huron had its beginning in 1851 when Willian Brown began building threshers at Battle Creek, Michigan. Upton, Brown & Company of Battle Creek was incorporated in 1859, followed by Upton Mfg. Co. in 1874. Ten years later the company moved to Port Huron, adding steam traction engines to the line. In late 1890 Port Huron Enigne & Thresher Company was formed, continuing the stea, engine and thresher business.