Founders

A Foundation of Family

From humble beginnings fleeing war torn Germany during World War II to starting his own business, WERKA Machine  in 1967, Richard Krenz Sr. was a man of vision. He wanted his family to find peace and stability, and those themes continued when he banded together with son Fred and nephew Richard to form Krenz Krist Machine Inc. in 1977.  The timelines below tell a story of perseverance and serve as a testament to the American values of family and enterprise. Enjoy this look at the lives and careers of our founders Richard Krenz Sr., Fred Krenz and Richard Krenz.

Richard Krenz Sr.

  • Born in rural town outside of Munich Germany 1928 4th of 5 Children
  • Defected to Ukraine to flee the horrors of WWII and to seek work
  • Immigrated to Strasburg, Germany 1946 after the war and married in September of 1949
  • Immigrated to United States December of 1951 as a result of working conditions, lack of work, and to provide a better life for his family.
  • Lived in the State of New York for 6 months
  • Moved to Cleveland Ohio June of 1952
  • Moved to North Royalton 1957
  • Worked and Received his machining training at Harris Calorific 1954 to 1967
  • Started his 1st company WERKA Machine Inc September of 1967 operating from Enterprise Ave, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Became a United States Citizen 1977
  • WERKA Machine and R&F Machining and Tool Merged 1976
  • Moved business to North Royalton, Ohio (current location) October 1977 and re-brand company under new name of Krenz Krist Machine Inc.
  • Continued growth resulted in expansion creating 30,000 square feet of manufacturing space in 1982.
  • Continued growth resulted in a second expansion creating 45,000 square feet of manufacturing space in 1986
  • Retired July of 1988
  • Passed June 15,2016 at age of 88

Richard Krenz

  •  Born in Germany 1950
  • Immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1952
  • Lived in Cleveland, Ohio from 1952 to 1970
  • Attended and graduated from Cleveland City Schools
  • Worked summer of 1968 at a drive in movie theater
  • Began working for Harris Calorific summer of 1969
  • Began tool and die apprenticeship from Albricht Tool & Die 1969
  • Resided in Valley City, Ohio from 1970 to 1971
  • Opened R&F Machining and Tool in 1971 operating out of uncle’s garage
  • Completed tool and die apprenticeship from Albricht Tool & Die 1972 at which time resigned due to continued growth at R&F Machining and Tool
  • Resided in Brunswick, Ohio from 1971 to 1985
  • 1972 R&F Machining and Tool moved into first commercial space on Walford Ave, in Cleveland, Ohio.
  • Operated from that facility until 1973 when more square footage became necessary
  • 1974 moved business to Akins Rd, Cleveland, Ohio and purchased vacant lot in North Royalton, Ohio, which is location business currently operates from
  • WERKA Machine and R&F Machining and Tool Merged 1976 and moved into Enterprise Ave, Cleveland, Ohio until North Royalton, Ohio construction completed.
  • Moved business to North Royalton, Ohio (current location) October 1977 and re-brand company under new name of Krenz Krist Machine Inc.
  • Continued growth resulted in expansion creating 30,000 square feet of manufacturing space in 1982.
  • Continued growth resulted in a second expansion creating 45,000 square feet of manufacturing space in 1986.
  • Operated out of existing space until retirement January 1, 2000.

Fred Krenz

  • Born in Strasburg, Germany 1951
  • Immigrated to United States December of 1951 with his father Richard Krenz Sr.
  • Lived in New York for approximately 6 months before moving to Cleveland, Ohio
  • Lived in Cleveland, Ohio from 1952 to 1957 attending Cleveland city schools through the 1st grade
  • Moved to North Royalton, Ohio 1957 attending North Royalton City schools until graduate in 1969
  • Began tool and die apprenticeship in 1969 through Walted Tool company, running bridgeports, grinders, and lathes
  • Purchased grinders and operated out of fathers garage, to service their own customer base in 1970
  • Opened R&F Machining and Tool in 1971 operating out of fathers garage
    Resigned from Walted Tool Company in 1971
  • Completed tool and die apprenticeship in 1972 through Triad Metal Products
  • 1972 R&F Machining and Tool moved into first commercial space on Walford Ave, in Cleveland, Ohio.
  • Operated from that facility until 1973 when more square footage became necessary
  • 1974 moved business to Akins Rd, Cleveland, Ohio and purchased vacant lot in North Royalton, Ohio, which is location business currently operates from
  • WERKA Machine and R&F Machining and Tool Merged 1976 and moved into Enterprise Ave, Cleveland, Ohio until North Royalton, Ohio construction completed.
  • Moved business to North Royalton, Ohio (current location) October 1977 and re-brand company under new name of Krenz Krist Machine Inc.
  • Continued growth resulted in expansion creating 30,000 square feet of manufacturing space in 1982.
  • Continued growth resulted in a second expansion creating 45,000 square feet of manufacturing space in 1986.
  • Operated out of existing space until retirement January 1, 2000.