A History of Excellence
Post-war Chicago. 1946. Economic boom times. Manufacturing at an all-time high. Into this wide-open landscape — with an engine lathe purchased from Walgreens Drug Store — Mel Warner and his wife, Lynn, along with Harold Reiser, launched their dream. And ever since, R&W Machine has been providing value-engineered precision machining and manufacturing services. Whether it is for OEMs or the railway industry, we serve a variety of markets with high quality, personal service and efficient solutions. The very ideals upon which our company was founded more than 75 years ago.
Our Commitment Grows
What began as a small machine shop is now a diverse manufacturer of precision-machined products for worldwide markets. The company has faced many challenges through the years, including economic recessions, a plant damaged by a plane crash and the need to expand several times to better serve our customers. Through it all, R&W Machine continued to grow with increased capacity, more personnel and innovative practices. Like adoption, in the early 1970s, of emerging computer technology and computer numerical control (CNC) equipment that is now a mainstay on the shop floor. Computerizing all office functions and the shop floor for better manufacturing and process control. And continual investment in bigger, better machining equipment.
Even during the recession of the early 1980s, R&W Machine continued to gain new customers. The freight, passenger and transit rail systems began running through R&W Machine when we expanded to provide wheel and axle services to the leading railroads in the nation. And our OEM machining and manufacturing services were in increasing demand from a steadily growing roster of customers. We found ourselves producing precision-machined components for industries we’d never have dreamed of in 1946. Construction and farm implement. Printing and paper mills. Oil and gas. Power, marine and industrial. Mining and rail transportation. But while many aspects of the business were changing, one thing wasn’t. And never has. Our commitment to service and quality — the guiding principles of our founders.
A New Way Forward
Today, Mel, his wife Lynn, and Harold wouldn't recognize our state-of-the-art equipment. Or our expanded facilities and our robust business. What they would recognize immediately is the way we treat our customers. It can be summed up quite easily: we treat our customers the way we want to be treated. With value-added services that identify and implement ways to help our customers improve their business. A “one-stop shop” with single-source responsibility to increase cost efficiencies. With experienced, skilled team members that are as dedicated to meeting customer needs as our founders were — no matter how tough the challenge.
Our history of excellence perfectly positions us to meet all of your precision machining and manufacturing needs. Let us show you what we can do for you!
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