C.G. Bretting has served the converting and contract manufacturing industry for over 125 years.

We work to deliver reliable, durable and innovative converting equipment that meets our customers’ needs. Consistently, we exceed customer expectations and provide unsurpassed customer service. You can learn more about C.G. Bretting Manufacturing and its history through the following resources.

C.G. Bretting Manufacturing 125th Anniversary Historical Timeline

In celebration of the 125th anniversary of C.G. Bretting Manufacturing and the 5th generation of the Bretting family joining the ranks of managing the company, the team created this video timeline.

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Bretting History

1880

It all begins in 1880 when C.G. Bretting sets sail for America.

1880

Christopher George, commonly known as C.G., boards the TSS Rotterdam at 26 years old.

 

1880

Upon arriving in New York May 1, 1880, he is listed on the passenger log as Christoph, a laborer from Germany.

 

1880

When C.G. first arrives in America, he works for his uncle, John C. Roth, owner of a meatpacking company in Ohio.

1882

In 1882, C.G. becomes a naturalized citizen of the United States of America.

 

1885

He travels through the St. Louis, Missouri area where he meets and marries Jane Elizabeth Richards in 1885.

 

1885

They venture on to Fargo, North Dakota, where they welcome their first son, Ralph Christopher. C.G. works at the Union Pacific Railway company.

1885

At that time, several businessmen were trying to generate interest in their city. They boasted that Ashland would become “the Chicago of the Northland.”

1888

One gentleman, John Parish – a businessman from Chicago, takes a leap. Mr. Parish reaches an agreement to build an operation in Ashland and construction begins.

1888

C.G. moves his family to Ashland. He begins work at Parish Manufacturing and it is not long before he becomes superintendent.

1890

A short time later, he purchases the Parish Manufacturing Company and renames it C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company. With 500 workers, it is a large operation with shops, warehouses, woodworking, foundry, and its own dock in Lake Superior.

1890

From 1890 into the 1920s, the company manufactures machinery and equipment for the sawmill industry.

1890

The Ashland area has the world’s largest concentration of sawmills that harvests the great white pine forests of the region.

1901

In 1901, C.G. purchases a home for his family at 222 Prentice Avenue in Ashland. This home still exists today.

1901

By this time, C.G. and Jane are blessed with three sons: Ralph, Howard, and Lyman.

1904

On May 31, 1904, Christopher George Bretting passes away at 50 years old while on vacation with his wife in St. Louis.

1904

He dies of a heart attack at the home of Jane’s parents.

1904

Jane is faced with raising 3 sons on her own.

1904

Ralph is 17 . . .

1904

. . . Howard is 10 . . .

1904

. . . and Lyman is just 4 years old.

1904

Jane and Ralph jump into action to keep the business running. Jane is  now president and Ralph is the general manager at just 17 years old.

1904

Jane is already authorized to manage the company and was often left in charge when C.G. was out of town on business.

1904

With this transition in management comes a transition in manufacturing. Because of the depleting number of sawmills and the increasing number of mines, Bretting begins catering to the needs of the mining and shipping industry.

1926

In 1926, C.G.’s youngest son, Lyman, returns to Ashland with an engineering degree from MIT and works for his brother Ralph.

 

1929

Lyman assumes the position of President and general manager in 1929 after Ralph moves to Green Bay. He is the sole operator of the company until 1958.

1929

In 1929, Bretting Manufacturing begins to manufacture paper converting equipment designed by and for the Marathon Paper Mill.

1950

By the 1950s, the mining industry heyday is over. Bretting reaches another fork in the road.

1957

While attending the University of Notre Dame, Tad plays baseball for the university.

1958

In 1958, Tad returns to Ashland with a business degree from the University of Notre Dame and goes into business with his father.

1958

Lyman continues to be involved with the business until he retires in 1965.

1958

Tad takes over sole management of the company with a dozen workers and his wife, Barbara, as the secretary.

1965

In the early 1960s, Bretting begins to concentrate on the design and manufacture of paper converting equipment. The first Bretting napkin folder is  shipped in 1965.

1969

A new main office is constructed in 1969.

1969

The old office is torn down shortly thereafter.

1970

By the mid-1970s, the reputation of Bretting spreads and the company begins receiving inquiries from all over the world.

1974

Bretting pioneers automatic count and separation and by 1974, the first automatic napkin folder ships.

1974

This allows Bretting to lead the industry as the demand for dispenser napkins increases with the popularity of fast food restaurants.

1976

And just 2 years later, our first Interfolder machine is created.

1979

On July 20, 1979, Lyman Bretting passes away at the age of 80.

1979

Lyman is pictured here with his 14 grandchildren.

1988

By 1988, the 4th generation of the Bretting family is now active in the business.

1989

In 1989, Tad is honored by the United States Small Business Administration as the national “Small Business Person of the Year.”

1989

His award is presented by President George Bush.

1995

David Bretting is named chief operating officer in 1995.

1997

By 1997, Tad turns over the company to his sons David and Paul. David assumes the role of president and chief executive officer.

1997

And Paul assumes the role of chief operating officer.

1999

Tad is inducted into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame in 1999.

2001

Contract manufacturing services (also known as CMS) expands its offering to customers throughout the Midwest in 2001 by providing fabrication, machining, and assembly to a variety of industries.

2002

In 2002, Bretting introduces the LCi series equipment at Tissue World Americas.

2003

On September 12, 2003, Tad Bretting passes away at the age of 67.

2003

Tad and Barbara pictured with their grandchildren.

2003

Tad and Barbara Bretting

2005

Bretting introduces the Elite Series Napkin Folder in 2005.

2006

2006 marks the introduction of the High Speed Multifold Towel Interfolder.

2009

Bretting acquires polywrapping technology in 2009 to begin sales and service of polywrappers.

2010

The company is granted the Management System Standard ISO Certification in 2010. This designation validates company commitment to quality in design, manufacturing, and service.

2011

S&S Specialty

March 5, 2011, Bretting acquires S&S Specialty Systems in Iron River, Wisconsin, offering expansion into the nonwovens market. Concurrently, the company enters the bag machine market using S&S as the center of operation.

2015

Bretting is fortunate to commemorate 125 years of heritage, pride, and manufacturing in Ashland with its excellent work ethic and stable work force.

2015

This year, we welcome two Brettings to the company. Ricky Bretting . . .

2015

. . . and Shawn Bretting as mechanical engineers.

2016

In 2016, two more Brettings join the company. Tad Bretting as assistant assembly supervisor . . .

2016

and Blake Bretting, sales and marketing.

2016

S&S Specialty Systems, LLC, is renamed Absolut Manufacturing, LLC.

2016

Bretting enters the digital print market. The first Bretting digital print napkin line is shipped.

2016

The Life Multifold Interfolder is rolled out.

2019

The first ATOM line is introduced.

2019

A brand new 30,000 square foot facility is built for Absolut Manufacturing.

2019

T&T Manufacturing, LLC, is added to the Bretting family of companies.

2019

With over 400 employees, the company, which spans over 280,000 square feet, supplies converting equipment and service to 39 countries involving 17 different languages.

2019

With the growing demand for paper over plastic bags, Absolut designs and manufactures the world’s first dual grocery bag machine, the Green Advantage DBM.

2021

Absolut fast-tracks the WiNDR to meet the high demand for disinfecting wipes during the COVID pandemic.

2022

Bretting Manufacturing officially launches the 400 MPM Singlefold Towel Interfolder into the global tissue market.

 

2022

The goal to remain focused on the customer and to offer quality products in an ever-changing marketplace is still the driving force at Bretting. We deliver on our promise, earning the right to be the customer’s choice.