Superb Quality, On-time Delivery & Competitive Prices

FULL SERVICE MACHINE SHOP

FOUNDED IN 1972

About Us

The Nelson Company is a full service machine shop located in Fairfield, Iowa. We have been in business for 41 years and operate out of an 88,000 square foot facility with over 65 employees.

OUR HISTORY

The Nelson Company has undergone a remarkable transformation from its modest beginnings to becoming a global supplier of precision-machined parts, primarily serving the agricultural equipment industry. This journey of growth and expansion is exemplified by the company’s evolution from a single employee and customer to a thriving entity with 35 employees and 50 customers by 1986, achieving sales close to $2 million that year. In 1993, the company further expanded its operations into an 88,000 square foot facility.

Despite the passage of over three decades, the core of The Nelson Company’s operations remains consistent with its origins. We specialize in purchasing materials like aluminum, ductile iron, and gray iron castings, and transforming them into functional components. Our expertise extends to guiding customers in selecting the ideal foundry for their specific needs, working closely with various specialized foundries. Among these is Fairfield Castings, formerly known as Dexter Company, a notable local foundry.

Our craftsmanship involves precisely machining raw castings to the required specifications, ensuring they meet our rigorous quality standards. The Nelson Company is committed to technological advancement, continually updating our machinery to enhance efficiency and quality. A testament to this commitment is our acquisition of a state-of-the-art vertical lathe in April 2013. This lathe, our first of its kind, is capable of handling larger and heavier castings, significantly improving our production capabilities.

Our manufacturing process is comprehensive, including the balancing of machined parts to exact specifications. We also offer additional services such as painting, plating with materials like zinc or chrome, and heat treatment, all tailored to meet specific requirements.

While most of our parts are integral to agricultural machinery like planters, combines, and tractors, our capabilities are not limited to this sector. We continually explore opportunities in diverse markets, showcasing our versatility and adaptability.

A significant milestone in our pursuit of excellence was achieving the ISO 9001:2008 certification in 2011, reflecting our adherence to globally recognized quality standards. This certification, administered by the International Organization based in Switzerland, is a testament to our commitment to delivering top-quality products.

As an equal opportunity employer, we pride ourselves on offering both full and part-time positions across two shifts, fostering a diverse and dynamic workforce.

In 2000, following the retirement of Pete Nelson, The Nelson Company embraced an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), allowing employees to share in the company’s success through stock ownership. This initiative not only rewards long-term service and dedication but also maintains Pete Nelson’s legacy as Chairman of the Board.

Under the leadership of President John Weissheier and Vice President Clint Hardin, The Nelson Company is experiencing a phase of robust growth and continuously securing new contracts, heralding an era of innovation and expansion.