Our Distinguished Past Brightens Our Future
Founded in 1946, Taubensee Steel Company has built its legacy on the strength of family values and a commitment to excellence. Rooted in a tradition of hard work and innovation, our founders laid the foundation for a company dedicated to fostering future growth while staying true to its heritage. Over generations, we’ve embraced the lessons of the past to shape a stronger, more resilient future, ensuring our family-driven principles continue to guide every step forward.
The Strength of Tradition and Experience
As World War II came to an end in 1946, Tom Taubensee returned home to Kokomo, Indiana, joining millions of other veterans eager to build a new future. His father, Henry Taubensee, a seasoned steel executive, was already running his own successful sales firm, Taubensee Sales Company. Recognizing the booming demand for steel and wire products in post-war America, Henry saw the perfect opportunity to launch a new venture. He invited Tom to Chicago to help establish a steel distribution and manufacturing company.
On June 24, 1946, Henry, Tom, and Tom’s brother, Jack, founded Taubensee Steel Company. They raised the Taubensee sign above a warehouse on Randolph Street in Chicago’s near west side, beginning a legacy that has spanned decades. The company initially focused on distributing nails, steel mesh, and other construction materials in the Chicagoland area. However, by 1951, their success necessitated a larger facility, prompting the trio to build a new location in Franklin Park, Illinois.
Expanding the Business
When Henry Taubensee passed away in 1969, the brothers faced a pivotal decision. Tom, who had served as company president since its inception, chose to retain ownership of the steel business, while Jack took control of their joint venture, a McDonald’s restaurant in Janesville, Wisconsin. This decision allowed Taubensee Steel Company to continue growing under Tom’s leadership, building on its strong foundation of tradition and expertise.
In the 1970’s, family members Kent, Dale, Bruce and Jill all joined Taubensee Steel and Wire Company and began a growth curve that drove the organization to again acquire land to build a new 150,000 square foot building in Wheeling, Illinois. In this facility, Taubensee expanded its production of plating quality wire, straightened and cut steel wire as well as cold finished steel bars. In 1987, Dale Taubensee assumed the role as President of the Company.
2020s
Several capital investments made across all product categories and facilities
1946
Taubensee Steel Co. is founded by Henry, Jack & Tom Taubensee on Randolph Street in downtown Chicago
1950s
TSW moved to Franklin Park, IL
1960s
Tom Taubensee showcases Taubensee wire products
1970s
3rd Generation joins Taubensee
1980s
TSW builds and moves to Wheeling, IL
1990s
Taubensee expands wheeling to include the bar house & begins Cold Finished Bar production in large volumes, and adds a wiredrawing facility in Henderson, KY
2000s
TSW begins High Carbon Wire production and major machine additions in Henderson
2010s
4th Generation begins to join the business, TSW adds 3rd facility in Bridgeview, IL for bar production
Growing Taubensee’s Reach
In 1995, TSW opened a second facility principally to serve area wire product needs for low carbon steel wire in Henderson, Kentucky. The ideal location of this facility paired with its proficient workforce and management team was the cornerstone for abundant regional growth. In 2001, the Henderson facility added a second major product line and began its production of high carbon steel wire, for the bedding and furniture industries.
Our innovative management team and committed Career Investor Employees continue to grow TSW’s legacy of dynamic customer service and satisfaction with top quality cold finished bar, plating quality low carbon steel wire, and high carbon steel wire. In 2013, Taubensee Steel & Wire Company unveiled its 3rd facility in Bridgeview, Illinois, with direct access off Interstate 294. The Bridgeview Bar Mill produces large diameter cold drawn bars up to 3.5 inches. The expansion provides greater service and value, as Taubensee continues to satisfy a majority of the needs of the cold drawn bar rounds market.
Grounded in Tradition, Engineered for Tomorrow
The world has changed a great deal since we first opened our doors in 1946, but what hasn’t is our commitment to the timeless principles of trust, quality, service, reliability, and value. We remain focused on combining decades of experience with continuous investment in technology and process innovation, ensuring we consistently deliver premium products that exceed client expectations.
