Bruce Billman using a Perkin-Elmer Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to test the metal content of a dye solution. This photograph was taken in the Analytical Section Laboratory at the Crompton & Knowles Research Center in Gibraltar, Pennsylvania.

Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Crompton & Knowles initially specialized in the manufacture of textile machinery and diversified its business with the purchase of the Althouse Chemical Company in 1954. The purchase of Althouse laid the foundation for Crompton & Knowles' manufacture of specialty dyestuffs for a variety of industries and applications, including paper, leather, printing ink, and heat transfer printing establishments, in addition to the textile and garment industry.