History

90 Years and going strong...

Schmidt Machine Company started out in the home of Bill Schmidt Sr. in 1928. Shortly after starting his own machine shop, Bill purchased an 80-acre farm, while also continuing to farm the 160 acres of his father-in-law's. Bill was a person who liked to tinker with things; his family started some trends that hit the entire United States. The first idea that Bill started was putting a set of rubber tires on a tractor in 1932, being the first person to do this in the state of Ohio.

In 1934, Bill Sr. moved his machine shop into an old schoolhouse in Lovell. Schmidt Machine Company first started selling Wallis tractors. Soon after, in 1935, the district manager of Massey-Harris approached Bill and his brother Ivan to start selling Massey tractors. In 1947 - 48, Schmidt Machine Company built the very first four-wheel-drive tractor. It was assembled by Lawrence, a brother of Bill Sr., and Herbert Walton a long-time friend and fellow tinkerer with Bill. Then in the summer of 1957, Schmidt mechanics were the first to put a corn head on a grain combine.

Bill Jr. followed in his father's footsteps as a builder and a tinkerer. He rebuilt Ford Model A motors and manufactured a reduction gear box and governor to control speed and placed them in combines. Bill sold the new machines all over Ohio and Michigan.

Richard (Dick) Schmidt, brother of Bill Jr. also jumped into the business. Dick was the more outgoing brother who would rather be talking, visiting and selling to farmers. So, Bill Jr. took on the role as President of the company while Dick took on Vice President. This was a perfect fit for them.

Present

Now there are 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations involved in the operation of this business. Over the years the original structure has been added many times, and all the work has been done by family and other employees of the business. 90 years and still going strong.

Today, over 30 employees at SMC have convinced their customers that their skill in metal fabrication is unmatched. There are very few problems that Schmidt’s has not already experienced, but if one arises it is carefully calculated and discussed until the best and most cost-efficient methods are found. This technique is applied to all jobs whenever it involves fabrication of new equipment, replacements parts, or repair of existing equipment.

When customers began to express their need for technological advancement, Schmidt’s responded by installing two Laser Machines. These machines enable SMC to deliver complex metal fabricated parts while maintaining the highest possible quality, quick service, and competitive prices.