In 1877 a 'Manufacturers and Exhibitors Association' was formed in Melbourne. In August 1881 it became 'The Victorian Chamber of Manufacturers'. It was an unincorporated association until 1922 when it incorporated under the Victorian Companies Act, and was registered in 1941 federally under the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act. On 8 February 1985 the VCM became the Australian Chamber of Manufacturers and registered as an organisation of employers under the Commonwealth Industrial Relations Act at the same time. The ACM affiliated with the Chamber of Manufacturers of NSW in 1987 but this was short-lived and the merger ended in 1991. The ACM then opened offices in Sydney and Canberra. The Chamber services about 150 industry sections and associations as well as groups associated with manufacturing and is available to advise on various matters and acts as an advocacy group.