The company was originally established in 1930 under the name China Airmotive Co., Fed., Inc. USA by A. L. Patterson for the purpose of exporting aircraft equipment to Asia. The name was changed to Allied International Co. Fed. Inc. USA in 1947. The present name was adopted in 1951.

Allied International expanded its operations in Europe in 1960 by acquiring A. E. Ulmann Associates Ltd., an organization specializing in European markets, which acted as U.S. purchasing agents for Lufthansa and Alitalia airlines. After the merger, A. E. Ulmann, Sr. was retained as President of Allied International, bringing to the company his extensive experience in the aeronautical industry, both as an engineer and as an entrepreneur.

Born in Russia in 1903, Alec Ulmann, graduated from M.I.T. with his M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering in 1928. In the 1930's he flew around Europe in his 120h.p. Kinner-Winkle Bird while working for Goodyear, Dewy Almy Chemical, and Aviquipo. In addition to his aeronautical work he was also an automotive historian and collector, and the founder of the 12 hours of Sebring sports car race. The Ulmann family continues to lead Allied International, with A. E. Ulmann, Jr. becoming President in 1990, after substantial experience as an importer/exporter and as a foreign sales representative.