Tool Design Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc. was founded by Herbert Strehl in the garage of his suburban home in 1969 with a single Mori Seiki lathe and a Bridgeport Series I mill. His vision ultimately grew the business into its current 30,000 square-foot facility in Salt Lake City, Utah serving the local aerospace industry..

 

A German immigrant, Strehl developed his trade as an apprentice machinist while working for Krupp Steel during his teenage years. Like many post-war European immigrants, he immigrated to New York City, worked as a machinist and ultimately became a U.S. citizen.

 

“He was a superior machinist and tool and die maker,” recalls Richard Strehl, his son. “He had a strong and disciplined work ethic, yet he had the creativity to develop set ups and teach other machinists. “Do it First Class” was his father’s motto.

 

This culture of excellence still resonates with Tool Design's employees. Now in its second generation, Richard is continuing the traditions.