Company History Aurelius Manufacturing was founded in 1926 on its current location by Gene and
Bernard Aurelius. Gene, a gifted machinist and metal fabricator, enlisted
his brother Ben to sell his wares. Together, they began to work in Gene's
garage producing and selling hand crank eggbeaters. The work expanded as Gene
found innovative ways to produce high quality products at prices that got the
attention of the marketplace. Gene's commitment to innovative problem solving,
quality workmanship, and customer service set a standard that is alive and well in
the company today.
Gene Aurelius guided the company until his death in 1963. Shortly after that time
Wendell L. Nelson, a long time employee, purchased the company. Wendell directed
the company through the transition from a job-shop producing many products and
components to a company focused on manufacturing hydraulic cylinders and from a sole
proprietorship to the current corporate structure. This change in focus allowed
the company to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the growing fluid
power industry. Initially, Aurelius Manufacturing produced standard tie-rod cylinders,
but quickly moved to specialize in make-to-order welded cylinders. Wendell continued
the tradition of innovation and developed a strong reputation for quality and customer
service in the hydraulic cylinder industry.
Along the way, two of Wendell's sons came to work for the company. Conrad in 1962
and Loren in 1974. Wendell retired in 1984 passing the leadership on to Conrad and
Loren.
Aurelius Manufacturing has continued to flourish under the leadership of Conrad and
Loren. The company's ability to work with customers to solve problems and develop
innovative solutions has led to strong long-term business relationships. The unique
ability to balance volume production and highly customized low volume work has enabled
strong and steady growth through the years. Solid business relationships and stable and
steady growth have resulted in the development of a skilled and experienced work force
and the ability to apply new technology to the production process. Aurelius manufacturing
continues to succeed in the marketplace by remaining grounded in its roots of innovative
problem solving, quality workmanship, and customer service.
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