Our History
OUR HISTORY
Over 100 Years of Growth and Innovation
Since being founded in 1921 by Albert Stagnaro as a belt-making company, CBT has a storied history. The business was bought in 1975 by Jim Stahl, Jr. and has remained family-owned since. The company experienced decades of growth, continuously adding new capabilities and product lines, including the Rockwell Automation line which remains a CBT keystone. Today, CBT features five locations throughout Ohio and Kentucky, six interconnected business units, and over 300 employees.
As the manufacturing world shifts and evolves, so do we. We continuously ask, “How can we help you?” to offer our valued customers the best services and solutions. And for over a century, through the challenges and victories, there has been one constant: our dedication to our customers. To this day, CBT reasserts its commitment to providing a superior customer experience like no other.
Our mission is to be recognized as the best partner to our customers, our suppliers, our CBT family, and the communities we serve.
Albert Stagnaro and his family established The Belting Company of Cincinnati.
James E. Stahl, Jr. purchased the small distributorship with a handful of employees and a few product lines.
CBT started to expand its product offerings by adding mechanical power capabilities.
Rockwell Automation appointed CBT distributor rights to Allen Bradley drives.
With continued growth, CBT built a new sales and distribution center in Springboro, Ohio.
Rockwell Automation named CBT the sole distributor for the Cincinnati and Dayton markets.
CBT expanded to the greater Sidney area with the addition of their third location in Sidney, Ohio.
After 30 years of growth, CBT built its current, state-of-the-art headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.
CBT celebrated 100 years of business.
Jay Stahl transitioned to President of CBT, along with Keith Harsh to the role of Executive Vice President.
CBT expanded south into Kentucky with locations in Louisville and Lexington.
Our branches are strategically located so that we can better serve our customers with the same dedication, commitment, and innovation they've come to know over the last century.
