NEWTON — Since 1948, Cline Tool and Service Company has called Newton home, manufacturing and distributing cutting tools for some of the world’s most respected manufacturers. A new ownership group that recently purchased the company says they continue to see a bright future in Newton.
Comprised of two current employees, three outside investors and locals Jim and Sherri Long, the group not only has many strong family ties to the community, but also touts practical reasons why Newton is a great place to do business.
“From a business perspective, our customers regularly comment on our employees’ willingness to go the extra mile,” Jim Long said. “That is something that you learn from your parents, grandparents and other positive role models here in the Midwest.”
Long also said the area’s educational system not only helps give generations of Cline employees the right skills, but also adds to the family-friendly, Midwestern work ethic that helps the company stand out in a global market.
While U.S. manufacturing is shrinking as other businesses fall to globalization, Long noted that Cline Tool and Service Company is unique in its ability to offer engineering services to their customers. Combined with the local workforce and work ethic, it all adds up to a bright future for the company.
“We have plans to grow organically and through acquisition,” he said. “Our business is growing and we’re expanding into new markets.”
Long, who has worked at Cline Tool and Service Company for 21 years and now acts as president, said he is proud to continue the traditions established by the family who founded the company.
“Howard and Betty Pelzer had a vision that was passed down to Tom, who hired me,” Long said. “When Tom passed away it was like a family member had died — Tom and Suzan Pelzer treated me and my wife like family.
“After Tom passed, Cuba Patterson had the difficult task of leading our company in a time when the president had passed away combined with the worst economic times after 9/11 – in a completely new role. Cuba was an inspiration to me that no matter how hard it seemed after Tom died, she kept her head up and had the attitude that failure is not an option.”
Cline Tool and Service Company currently employs 48 people in a wide variety of careers, from engineering to manufacturing to shipping and is headquartered on 19th Street North in Newton.