Van Zeeland Manufacturing: A Legacy of Integrity, Innovation, and Service
Since 1980,
Van Zeeland Manufacturing (VZM) has been building a reputation for quality, reliability, and strong customer relationships. Although it started small, VZM is now a leading custom manufacturer of sprockets, gears, and pulleys, with additional capabilities in custom machining services, while remaining true to the core values that guided us from the beginning.
A Family History of Leadership
Van Zeeland Manufacturing began with a vision. Robert Van Zeeland had been an entrepreneur at heart which eventually led him to start the company in 1980 in Wisconsin. Robert and his wife, Mary, purchased and renovated an old Chrysler dealership in Little Chute, Wisconsin, turning it into the foundation for their family-run business. As the business grew, Van Zeeland Manufacturing moved to its current location in 2008 in Little Chute, expanding and developing into a modern day facility.
In 1996, Robert and Mary passed leadership of the company to their son, Robin. Ruth, Robin’s daughter, began working in the company in 2004 and was joined by her brother Ryan in 2010. In 2021, Ruth officially took over as Vice President and Ryan became President, carrying forward the company’s vision and establishing three generations of family ownership.
Though neither Ruth nor Ryan initially expected to take over the family business, each found their way back through different paths, discovering a shared passion for working with customers and a commitment to leading VZM together and providing expert custom machining services to all clients.
Growth Rooted in Relationships
While machining may not sound glamorous, its impact is significant. Without quality parts made quickly and delivered on time, production can come to a halt, disrupting the supply chain, and creating costly ripple effects for countless businesses and customers downstream. Customers consistently choose VZM because of:
- Proactive communication: Customers don’t need to “babysit” their orders, they know our team is monitoring every detail.
- On-time delivery rates over 95%: Reliability is built into the process.
- A human-first approach: Customers can call and talk to a knowledgeable team member.
- Commitment to integrity: If something goes wrong, our team is transparent and quick to make it right.
- Decades of family-driven experience: With deep family roots of business leadership, we offer stability and reliability that competitors can’t always match.
The future of the company is about staying true to the principles that it was built on, while adapting to evolving customer needs. Our strength comes from our foundation in our core values. These values have been part of the company since its inception and remain central to every decision today:
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.
The Benefits of American Manufacturing for Our Customers
Being locally owned and operated, VZM places high value on sourcing materials in the United States whenever possible, paying fair wages, delivering exceptional customer service, and supporting the employees who make up our team. We are proud to manufacture all our products in the state of Wisconsin in the USA and provide expert custom machining services quickly, seamlessly, and with fantastic customer service. For customers, this offers several advantages:
- Quality and consistency: Products are manufactured under quality standards with superior machining equipment.
- Faster turnaround times: Because we are based in the USA, customers avoid lengthy overseas shipping delays.
- Direct accountability: Customers know who is making their custom parts and can rely on our team for updates and regular communication.
- Stronger partnerships: Communication is easy, with no language or time-zone barriers.
A Legacy That Keeps Growing
From our beginnings in an old Chrysler dealership to today as a leading part manufacturer, Van Zeeland Manufacturing has never lost sight of what matters most: people. Whether it’s customers, employees, or community members, VZM believes in integrity, respect, responsibility, innovation, and service. As we look to the future, we remain committed to refining our processes, strengthening our relationships, and helping customers succeed.