As the president and chief executive officer of Wiegel, a family-owned manufacturing business, Aaron Wiegel said there is never a need to reignite his passion because it is always within him. “Our strategies to continuously grow our business have never changed – we are a family-owned business of three generations,” he said. “We have a legacy that we cherish and honor by our continuous deep involvement in our business.”
Founded in 1941 by Otto Wiegel, the family-owned business initially specialized in tool and die work and metal stamping. Today, the company has grown into a versatile manufacturing powerhouse with an emphasis on precision metal stamping, welding, automation and assembly.
Wiegel started working at the company in eighth grade. As a teenager, he was introduced to the manufacturing process, packing parts in the factory and learning the value of hard work. His experience at Wiegel was further enriched as he moved through various roles in the company during high school and college, gaining hands-on knowledge as a toolmaker and designer. By 2005, he was appointed vice president of stamping, and in 2010, he became president and chief executive officer of the company, working alongside his younger siblings, Erica and Ryan.
In 2011, Wiegel expanded Wiegel’s operations by acquiring 25,000 square feet and adding an additional 20,000 square feet to its main campus. In 2015, he acquired ARO Metal Stamping, a key competitor, and integrated it into Wiegel’s operations. Under his guidance, the company patented a welding process (US 11,701,736 B2) and expanded into new markets such as automotive, lighting, medical and military.
One of the most notable milestones in the company’s journey came in 2022 when Wiegel spearheaded the rebranding of the company from Wiegel Tool Works Inc. to simply Wiegel, reflecting its expansion beyond traditional tool and die work into a full-service manufacturing company.
As a leader, Wiegel said his style is rooted in his deep commitment to the family business and the people who make it successful. “We, as a family, always felt that we really do not have a job at Wiegel – it is more so a hobby that we are grateful to be compensated for,” he said. “This passion and investment into the business trickles down to our managers and staff, who see our involvement from the ground level up within our entire family.”
Wiegel is also an active leader in the broader manufacturing community. He serves on several boards, including the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) and Wintrust Bank. His contributions to the industry have been recognized through numerous honors, including being named manufacturer of the year by the Illinois Manufacturing Association and being recognized as one of the five legacy leaders by Member Focus Magazine.