BUCYRUS -- While some industries have closed their doors in the current economy, Ryder-Heil Bronze Inc. has withstood the ups and downs of the last 100 years.
The company was founded in 1910 by Parmly H. Ryder. The business was incorporated as the Ryder Brass Foundry Company on Oct. 8, 1910, and has always been at 126 E. Irving St.
Ryder's son, Charles, took over the company in 1969 and ran it until it was sold to United Castings Inc. in 1975.
The company that manufactures bronze bushings, bearings, wear plates and thrust washers for the heavy machine industry changed ownership again in September 2008 when Herb Kleine bought the company from owners Mary Worden, Charles Kinney and James Quaintance.
Kleine was with the company for six years before becoming the owner.
"We have had some changes in the past few years such as we now have a CNC mill (computer numeric control) machine. It is the first one in our machine shop. Before that, everything was done manually. It is much easier for our employees to use the CNC mill, and more accurate," Kleine said.
Kleine said the company may add a CNC lathe.
The company employs 30 people.
"We had to layoff two last year, but then we had two retire. We have not hired anyone new, but for the most part have been able to keep our people working," Kleine said. "Business is better now by about 25 percent than it was last year at this time. I think the overall economy seems to be showing signs of improving."
Mayor Michael Jacobs made a proclamation Friday to designate next week as Ryder-Heil Bronze week.
"If a company can stay in business and help our economy for 100 years, they need to be recognized. We thank them for 100 years of loyal and local service," Jacobs said.
The company will round out the week with an open house from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and next Saturday.
"We will be giving tours of the plant and lunch will be offered by Relay for Life for a donation of $1 for a hot dog, chips and a pop or $2 for a bratwurst sandwich, chips and a pop. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to Relay for Life," Kleine said.
