About Us
Van Zeeland Manufacturing
What We Do
At Van Zeeland Manufacturing, our machine shop in Wisconsin specializes in made-to-order, custom and catalog sprockets, spur gears, timing belt pulleys, weld-on hubs, and general machining completed to your exact specifications, packaged with care, and always made in Little Chute, Wisconsin, USA. All products can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, and are available with finishes such as zinc or nickel plating.
Whether you need one part or a thousand, our machine shop in Wisconsin treats every order with the same level of precision and care. No minimums. No shortcuts. Just high-quality products built to meet your needs.
Our customers rely on us for our dedication to quality products, on-time shipment, and exceptional customer service. We partner closely with customers, communicating from quote through delivery, making the process easy, efficient, and worry-free.
Behind every sprocket, gear, and pulley is a team of skilled employees who take pride in their work. We continually reinvest in our people and our equipment, ensuring that every job is produced using the latest technology coupled with decades of experience.
At Van Zeeland Manufacturing, we’re more than a manufacturer—we’re a partner you can count on. Call one of the expert machine shops in Wisconsin today to learn more about our services!
Who Our Machine Shop Partners With
For over 45 years, we have formed partnerships with customers across a range of industries to meet their requirements including:
- Agriculture
- Automotive
- Manufacturing and Industrial Machinery
- Automation
- Construction and Heavy Equipment
- Food Processing
- Power Generation
- Oil & Gas
- Mining
- Medical
Our History
Van Zeeland Manufacturing, Inc. was founded in 1980 by Robert and Mary Van Zeeland in a small Midwestern machine shop in Little Chute, Wisconsin. Under the leadership of Robin Van Zeeland (second generation), what started with a handful of manual machines and a few loyal customers, was grown into a trusted, multi-generational manufacturing business known across the country for its commitment to precision, service, and American values.
Now proudly led by the third generation, Van Zeeland Manufacturing remains family-owned and operated. We’ve grown with the times—expanding our capabilities, upgrading our equipment, and staying at the forefront of custom manufacturing—while never forgetting our roots. The legacy our machine shop in Wisconsin is built not only on decades of experience, but on a reputation for doing right by our customers, our employees, and our community.
We believe in building things that last, from our products to our relationships. And after more than 45 years, we’re just getting started.
1980
Company founded by Robert and Mary Van Zeeland
1985
Company expansion – added manufacturing space
1992
First CNC machine purchased (Mazak QT15)
2004
Ruth joined the company full-time
2008
Relocated to current facility, expanding operations
2012
First CNC Gear Hobbing machine purchased
2019
Ruth and Ryan acquired partial ownership
2022
Ruth and Ryan became majority owners
1981
Robert and Mary’s children (Robin & his siblings) bought into the business
1989
Company expansion – further manufacturing space added
Installed a fully integrated computer system
1996
Robin named President; Robert & Mary stepped down from ownership
2007
Robin became sole owner
2010
Ryan joined the company full-time
2013
Expanded warehouse space
2021
Ruth named Vice President, Ryan named President
1980
Company founded by Robert and Mary Van Zeeland
1981
Robert and Mary’s children (Robin & his siblings) bought into the business
1985
Company expansion – added manufacturing space
1989
Company expansion – further manufacturing space added
Installed a fully integrated computer system
1992
First CNC machine purchased (Mazak QT15)
1996
Robin named President; Robert & Mary stepped down from ownership
2004
Ruth joined the company full-time
2007
Robin became sole owner
2008
Relocated to current facility, expanding operations
2010
Ryan joined the company full-time
2012
First CNC Gear Hobbing machine purchased
2013
Expanded warehouse space
2019
Ruth and Ryan acquired partial ownership
2021
Ruth named Vice President, Ryan named President
2022
Ruth and Ryan became majority owners
The Third Generation
Ryan Van Zeeland
President
Ryan is the grandson of Robert and Mary and the son of Robin. He began his career in the electrical field and, in 2010, earned recognition as a Journeyman Electrician after completing the Wisconsin Apprenticeship Program. Later that year, he joined Van Zeeland Manufacturing, where he learned to set up and operate all the equipment in the plant. While gaining hands-on experience, he began the Wisconsin Apprenticeship Program for machining and became a Journeyman Machinist in 2014. Before becoming an owner, Ryan also held roles as a job planner/estimator and production manager.
Ruth Sessler
Vice President
Ruth is the granddaughter of Robert and Mary and the daughter of Robin. She graduated from St. Norbert College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and dove into her full-time career with Van Zeeland Manufacturing immediately. Prior to ownership, she learned and performed every front office task and held roles in customer service and purchasing.
Our Mission Statement
We will manufacture quality products at a fair price, with on-time shipment, and provide outstanding customer service.
Our Core Values & Beliefs
At the heart of everything we do are the values that guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we interact with our employees, customers, vendors, and community. These core beliefs reflect our commitment to doing the right thing, delivering exceptional service, and continuous improvement. Together, they form the foundation of a workplace that values relationships and recognizes the importance of those relationships in our long-term success.
Integrity
Our words and actions are honest and ethical.
Respect
We treat all people with courtesy and respect, valuing their contributions.
Responsibility
We take responsibility for our actions and honor our obligations, while meeting individual, organizational, and community needs.
Customer Service
We are committed to communicating effectively with our customers, which allows us to meet or exceed their needs.
Innovation
We are constantly looking for ways to improve. We embrace change as an opportunity.
Community Outreach
We believe in the importance of giving back and proudly support a variety of non-profits. In addition to sponsorships of local events, we support charitable organizations that focus on children’s welfare and humanitarian aid, and we also offer a donation match program to our employees.