CELEBRATING 65 YEARS–Red Bud Industries is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Pictured is most of RBI’s team of employees in front of the building.
In 1959, a young Ken Voges formed a tool and die shop called ABC Metal Products. Founded with Christian principles, this small company would over time become a world-renowned manufacturing company, Red Bud Industries.
Looking for a place to start his dream, Ken cleaned out a chicken house on the family farm to set up shop. Now that Ken had a place, he needed equipment. He sold his 1955 Thunderbird and purchased old, used machinery, which he renovated, that would serve this business. As with any fledgling venture, times were tough. Ken was soon joined by his parents, Bill and Esther, and eventually his wife, Joan.
For more on RBI, please see this week’s print edition.