In September of 1987, Ball Transfer Systems was founded in Glassport, Pennsylvania by Robert L. McKeown. As a manufacturer of omni-directional ball transfers used in material handling, Ball Transfer Systems has quickly become one of the most comprehensive suppliers in the industry.  

At first, Ball Transfer Systems concentrated on quality assembly of parts supplied by outside sources.

The entire product line consisted of only two styles. Within a short time, stamping processes were brought in-house, allowing for the flexibility to design and redesign new products to meet customers' most demanding specifications. By further expanding production capabilities, Ball Transfer Systems was able to offer eighteen different styles, including the manufacture of both carbon and stainless steel ball transfers.

  In 1992, it became evident that increasingly sophisticated equipment, greatly expanded work stations, and growing on-hand inventory necessitated expansion into a larger facility. In January of 1993, Ball Transfer Systems entered into a sales agreement to purchase two buildings and eight acres of property in Star Junction (Fayette County), Pennsylvania. By August of that same year, the move was complete, resulting in the hiring of three additional employees.

  November of 1994 found Ball Transfer Systems in the unique position of being approached by a competitor with the intent of purchasing their equipment, inventory, product lines, and customer list. The competitor's name, Ball Transfers Inc., would be dropped so the new products would be identified solely with Ball Transfer Systems. This acquisition resulted in a product line increase of twenty-six additional units.