Oconomowoc Manufacturing Corporation and Talmafastener

Ingenious.

Is it possible the solution you're looking for doesn't exist yet? Absolutely. And our desire to be an extraordinary resource for you – regardless of the challenge at hand – drives us to innovate, create and never simply assume we already have your product in a box.

Consistent.

For decades we've succeeded in applications where accurately determining the end use life capacity has included asking (among other questions), "how many children do you have?" Click for more.

Durable.

As proven in applications where shutting down a line due to performance issues is simply not an option. Click for more.

Credible.

"Neither snow nor rain nor dead of night" has stopped Ocononomowoc from helping the United States Post Office deliver for more than 20 years. Click for more.

Versatile.

From the customizability of a bearing or fastener to integrating commodity items into cost-saving and value-added assemblies, the ability to adapt to new challenges has fueled our success. When given the opportunity to perform, almost without fail the response is "Wow, I didn't know you could do that."

Entrusted.

As evidenced by our many long-term relationships, our customers believe in our capabilities and how we stand behind our product – including one with more than a century-and-a-half of tradition. Click for more.

Creative.

It's one of our primary resources, and the very thing that enables us to make something long considered "the best" even better and more affordable. Click for more.

Expert.

Of course we manufacture to exact specifications requested. We've also been known to realize unexpected improvements as well. Click for more.

Reliable.

Whether working with one of our Fortune 500 customers or the small family shop, we believe that how our people interact with you is just as important as the performance of our products. That a handshake carries as much importance as a signature. And that a well-handled issue is more important than boastful claims of infallibility.

Skilled.

In less than four months, and with a true spirit of customer and supplier partnership, we helped transform a concept into a revolutionary product. Click for more.

Valuable.

Our "no stone left unturned" creative approach to product and value improvement has been the catalyst for our growth, saving our customers time and money in the process. Click for more.

Strong.

Producing parts that work well is fundamental. Producing parts that allow for bragging rights is just plain fun. Click for more.

About Us
Products
- Oconomowoc Bearings & Wheels
- Five-O-Mega
- Zerocaster
- Specialty Lubricants
Industry Solutions
News
Contact

History

In 1964, four men (led by a former associate of the General Bearing Company) identified a niche opportunity to specialize in custom bearings servicing the domestic fenestration (door and window) industry, and formed the Oconomowoc Manufacturing Corporation – named for the scenic southeastern Wisconsin city where it was located.

In 1966, Oconomowoc's current Chairman and CEO, Donald E. Sydow, was recruited by the newly formed company to lead manufacturing operations. A teacher at the time, Sydow had worked in a machine shop supporting his family since he was eight. He accepted the position of General Manager until 1982, when he purchased the company with partners and was named President. Over the next decade, Sydow purchased all of the outstanding partner-owned shares while continuing to grow sales. Today the company is owned by Sydow and his stepson, current President Kyle C. Stoehr. Truly a family owned and managed organization, Stoehr was introduced to the bearing business by his stepfather early on, and was working at Oconomowoc Manufacturing by the time he entered high school.

Over the years the company diversified from its primary market of sliding doors to include (among others) material handling equipment, food and beverage, furniture and automotive. Along the way the company has received numerous honors, including three Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year awards. Of course, no accolade is in higher regard by the company than the outstanding long-term tenure of both Oconomowoc personnel and customer relationships.

In June 2008, in order to expand its internal cold heading capabilities, Oconomowoc Manufacturing purchased the assets of Talma Fastener Corporation located in north central Indiana.

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