Monroe's History

In 1912, Monroe invented the commercial calculator and opened a factory in New Jersey for manufacturing and distribution. Named after the inventor and founder, Monroe was a huge success! Monroe quickly became a household name with accounting and financial service professionals around the world.

Our commercial calculator went on to win the Franklin Institute’s John Price Wetherill Medal for its invention in the physical sciences in 1932. Fifty years later, we grew to over three hundred offices throughout the United States of America and other parts of the world.

With 110 plus years of being in business, Monroe has since moved its operations to Bristol, PA. The company is now known as Monroe Systems for Business, and continues to manufacture and sell the highest-quality of calculators and supplies available. As business needs have changed over the years so has Monroe. We have listened to our loyal customers and have added new products to accommodate their different needs. Now part of Monroe’s catalog is Cash management, ink & toners, paper shredders, and more.

Founded: 1912

Headquarters: Bristol, PA

Availability: USA (all states)

Jay R. Monroe

Jay Monroe was a co-founder of Monroe Systems for Business. With a background in accounting, prior to starting Monroe, he was employed at Western Electric Company as a general chief clerk. Mr. Monroe was also the president of two subsidiaries, the Gardner Company, an adding machine manufacturer, and the Defiance Manufacturing Company, a check writing machine manufacturer.

Frank S. Baldwin

As a co-founder of Monroe Systems for Business, Frank Baldwin patented the Baldwin Computing Engine which he combined with Jay Monroe to create the first Monroe calculator. Before Monroe, Frank was awarded the John Scott Medal for the “most meritorious invention” of the year in 1874.