About Us

80 years of manufacturing excellence

Our Story

Founded in 1946, Von Ruden Manufacturing, Inc. began as a small machine shop dedicated to producing precision tool holders. Through unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we’ve grown into a leading manufacturer of power transmission components.

The future of Von Ruden is rooted in the same principles that built our legacy: quality, innovation, and customer-focused solutions. We continue to push the envelope in fluid power and mechanical transmission, while expanding our machine tool offerings with static holders, specialty tooling, and custom application support. With each new development, we aim to empower machinists, engineers, and OEMs with products that perform and endure. Our team of skilled engineers and machinists combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.

From small machine shops to Fortune 500 companies, all receiving the same dedication to excellence that has defined Von Ruden for over eight decades. From factory floors to field applications, you’ll find Von Ruden products making a difference.

Our Journey

1946 – Founded

Von Ruden began its journey by manufacturing tractor saws in a small shop in Claremont, Minnesota.,

1973 – WSI ACQUISITION

Washington Scientific Industries acquires Von Ruden and moves operations to Owatonna, Minnesota and eventually to Long Lake, Minnesota.

1989 – RETURN TO FAMILY OWNED

GM Al Anderson brought Von Ruden back into family hands, laying the foundation for a renewed focus on innovation and growth in Buffalo, Minnesota.

1999 – DRIVEN TOOLING

Von Ruden introduced its first live tooling products, responding to a clear market demand for reliable, high-performance solutions.

2012 – GLOBAL EXPANSION

Von Ruden partnered with MARIO PINTO of SMW-Autoblock group to combine product lines and expand global distribution and support.

2026 – ENGINEERING THE FUTURE

Continue to advance fluid power, mechanical transmission, and machine tool technologies while being committed to innovation, service, and American-made quality.

Mission Statement & Core Values

To build on our legacy of world-class American manufacturing by delivering innovative, precision-engineered quality components and services that exceed customer expectations and continuously improve the Quality Management System through meaningful teamwork.

Integrity Always

We lead with honesty and stand behind every decision and deliverable.

Made in Minnesota

We’re proud to design, build, and support our products right here in Minnesota.

Pride in Craftsmanship

We honor our 80-year legacy by doing things right… the first time.

How We Operate

Our Approach: Agile & Responsive

We believe in keeping management at an operational level to eliminate unnecessary layers and deliver faster, more effective responses. This lean and agile structure empowers us to adapt quickly to shifting market demands, resulting in a more responsive and rewarding experience for our partners.

Team-Driven Management

Our people-first philosophy extends to how we manage our operations. Our modern facility is complemented by a modern approach: cross-functional teams are responsible for specific manufacturing or support areas and manage their own workflows. From setting schedules to hiring team members, these self-directed teams have ownership over their outcomes. There are no traditional foremen or shop supervisors, instead, company advisors provide strategic support, guidance, and shared vision alignment.

Cellular Manufacturing

Our production is organized into manufacturing cells — autonomous units responsible for nearly every step in producing a part or product. This cellular approach streamlines operations, boosts accountability, and enables faster turnaround times, especially for custom or complex configurations. By empowering our teams at every level, Von Ruden delivers efficiency without compromising on quality or flexibility.

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