Steptoe and Steptoe-Wester shapers were made by the Western Machine Tool Works in Holland, Michigan, U.S.A. It appears that the heavier, industrial shapers from the Company were badged as 'Steptoe' and the lighter models for schools, colleges and training institutions as "Steptoe-Western".
The Western Machine Tool Works was founded in 1905 by Nicodemus Bosch and John Boda, the latter partner being bought out by Mr Bosch in 1919 and was to remain in his hands, as President and General Manager, for 40 years. In addition to shapers, like most other machine tool companies of the time, Western Machine Tool Works manufactured a range of products including drill presses and lathes- the latter perhaps following the acquisition of the Chard Lathe Company.