Dorner Mfg. celebrates 50 years

Dorner Mfg. is commemorating its 50th year in business.

Originally founded by brothers Wolfgang and Horst Dorner in 1966 as a tool and die shop, the company transitioned to conveyor manufacturing in the early 1970s. The Dorners were looking for a conveyor to efficiently remove scrap and parts from under their dies; however they couldn’t find one that fit in such a tight space.

Manufacturers they spoke with said conveyors could not be built so small because a bearing of that size would not be durable, and belts would not wrap around such tiny diameter rollers. The Dorners set out to prove them wrong.

Shortly thereafter, they developed and patented a new radial thrust bearing and worked with belting companies to obtain a flexible, durable belt, and in 1973, the 4100 Series industrial conveyor was born. Within a few years conveyor sales were greater than the tool and die business, which was then phased out of production.

“Our philosophy today mirrors that of the one set forth by the Dorners 50 years ago – a philosophy based on being responsive to our customers,” said Terry Schadeberg, president and CEO, Dorner Mfg. “Carrying the torch forward and continuing to live up to the ideals established by the Dorners is something every employee embraces. We’re very excited for what the next 50 years holds for Dorner.”

The past year has been marked by several major milestones for Dorner Mfg.:
● Opening of the first office in Canada
● Acquiring FlexMove, a Malaysian-based manufacturer of flexible chain conveyors for food, beverage, automotive, electronic and other industries
● Adding staff aimed at establishing brand recognition and growing sales to international markets
● Expanding its Hartland, Wis., headquarters by adding a 25,000-square-foot expansion to its manufacturing area to meet future production goals and anticipated growth
● Major expansions to many of its conveyors, including its AquaPruf sanitary, SmartFlex and 2200 Series platforms

Dorner is observing its 50th anniversary with an open house and other celebratory events in June.