Founded during the Golden Age of Bodybuilding, from when the first Sandow was awarded and “Pumping Iron” featuring a young bodybuilder from Austria premiered in theaters, Universal has been vital part of the fabric of the sport and industry. Today, we proud of our place in the weightlifting community and our many products are available all around the world.
Our roots go back to 1977 and a small manufacturing factory in Linden, New Jersey. Started by a hard-working and passionate family in that year, Universal is still a privately held company today – still owned and operated by that same family. Our values have remained the same, values based on “old school” ideals where one’s word and a handshake meant something.