In 1974, Jim Wessing and Ben Braunberger had a vision. They would create a company to manufacture high quality cutting parts for agricultural machinery–an underserved need in the farming community. 50 years later, as the Manufacturing Express arrived at the facility on an October morning, their vision has become an international staple of the industry. 

You may not immediately see a Kondex logo on a piece of equipment like a combine harvester, but without its contribution it could not function. Those machines rely on high-quality specialized blades in order to reap the harvest needed to feed the world each season. Thanks to Kondex’s engineered blades, farmers can do their jobs more efficiently and keep food on family tables. And from Kondex’s office here in rural Lomira, Wisconsin you can see their product in action on the farms across the street.

“If you look behind you, you’ll see a combine harvester using our product in the field,” said Kondex President Keith Johnson to the crowd at today’s event. “I think that shows the real impact the work we do here has to help feed the world and I think that’s great.”

Manufacturing these blades is no small feat. Here in Lomira, they have 250 associates employed building the various blades across their product line. Whether it’s a sickle section, concaves, aerators, or even blades for the underground drilling industry Kondex makes it all. And the impact of their products can be felt across the globe, featured on equipment in 17 countries across 6 continents.

Even with their international presence, Kondex is committed to keeping the business here locally in Lomira. That’s why they are invested philanthropically in technical education here in Wisconsin. Through their donations of welding equipment for student training, and their close involvement with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Kondex is dedicated to making sure there is a next generation of talent here locally for the next 50 years of the company.

When companies like Kondex succeed, we all succeed. Congressman Glenn Grothman understands that, and he expressed as much during his remarks at today’s event:

“It always amazes me how highly rated Wisconsin is. We are #1 in the country for Manufacturing jobs.” Grothman said. “And you determine how wealthy the United States is. Manufacturing is the industry, more than any other, that makes this country’s economy strong.”

The Kondex team and their spirit is why the Manufacturing Express is on the road. More people need to know that manufacturing is thriving in communities across America and companies like Kondex are the reason for it.