Prior to World War II, Robert Ziegenmeyer worked for Randolph Machinery.
Robert Ziegenmeyer – 1946
Prior to World War II, Robert Ziegenmeyer worked for Randolph Machinery. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Robert enlisted in the Navy. While in the Navy, he was stationed on a submarine and worked on the hydraulic systems. Shortly after World War II, Robert returned home to Sutter. He raised alfalfa and bought a GMC 10 wheeler, lengthened the frame and used it to haul rice. A year later, he gave in to his desire to create and decided to open his own shop.
Sutter Welding & Equipment Company was founded by Robert Ziegenmeyer in 1946. Robert’s son, Arden, joined the company in 1971 as the Vice President. Shortly after, in 1974, Robert’s brother, Bill, came on as the plant manager. By this time, SWECO was a proven leader in the designing and manufacturing of exotic industrial and farming equipment for specialized applications. Around the same time, SWECO was also making a name for itself with the manufacturing of its high quality, custom hydraulic cylinders. Robert Ziegenmeyer was presented with the 1980 California Rice Industry Award for his numerous designs and improvements in designs that he had made in the rice farming equipment industry.
Palm Street Location since 1946 and currently our home of operations.
Robert’s grandson, Joe Ziegenmeyer, joined SWECO in 1989 and later became the President in 1997. Robert Ziegenmeyer passed away on January 4, 2000 at the age of 79. Robert left control of SWECO to his oldest son Arden, his wife Maria and their two youngest sons, Michael and Robert Jr., who both joined the company in the mid 1990’s. Joe and Arden both retired in 2006. Raymond A. Ziegenmeyer was appointed President in 2007 and served in that roll until 2015. Michael Ziegenmeyer served as interim President during Sweco’s search for a replacement until 2017, during which time former CFO and Parts Manager, Ron Kelley, was named President of the Company. Robert Jr. still continues his roll as Chairman of the Board and Michael Ziegenmeyer as Vice President of Sales and Dealer Development. Together they all carry on the vision of the late Bob Ziegenmeyer whose drive and determination help create one of the most dependable equipment manufacturing companies in the United States.
Today, SWECO specializes in agricultural equipment, construction equipment and hydraulic cylinders. We are proud to be shipping our equipment worldwide from Sutter, California and continuing to build the most dependable equipment in the industry.