1945
Clarence H. Ruesch “Jake” and his son Clarence W. Ruesch poured a concrete floor and installed Reliable’ s first punch press in a rented corn crib in Countryside, IL. The story goes it was once owned by Minnie Marx, the mother of the Marx Brothers. During World War I, Minnie purchased the poultry farm because farmers could be exempted from the draft. In 1947 – Reliable moved to 26th Street, Cicero, Illinois.
1947-1957
After relocating to 26th Street, Jake fell ill. His son Clarence W. Ruesch, recently discharged from the U.S. Marines, stepped in to rejoin the family business. Reliable continued to grow as a leader in the metal stamping industry.
1957-1962
In May of 1958, Jake died. His wife Victoria assumed the role of President and son Clarence Vice President, this period marked another move for Reliable as the company relocated to Austin Avenue in Cicero, Illinois.
1962
Reliable establishes permanent roots in Franklin Park, Illinois in 1962 by purchasing the 9235 building and adjacent vacant lot. The new, larger facility is in the third largest manufacturing hub in Illinois. Just minutes away from major expressways and O’Hare International Airport. Reliable’s new home allows it to meet growing production demands while maintaining its core value of quality and reliability.
1966
In less than five years, Reliable Metal Stamping’s 9235 facility was bulging at the seams. Plans were drawn up and construction started on an addition doubling the original footprint. The increased space paved the way to meet the needs of current customers and attract new ones.
1986
Reliable made a significant investment in 1986 and purchased 9244 Parklane Avenue and adjacent vacant lot directly across the street from its 9235 building. Reliable’s square footage increased by 50% to a total of 15,000 square feet. The additional square footage allowed Reliable to accommodate future growth.
1988
In less than two years, construction begins on an addition to the 9244 building. This expansion allowed Reliable to increase efficiency and meet the high demand from its ever-increasing customer base.
2001
In 2001, Reliable took a bold step and acquired the assets of a competing metal stamper. This acquisition increased its stamping capabilities and enabled Reliable to offer a complete product line of conduit hangers and straps to the electrical industry. In addition to being a custom metal stamper, Reliable secured its place as a trusted supplier to big names in the electrical hanger industry.
2014
Reliable secures a long-term lease on the building next to 9244 Parklane Avenue to meet its ever-increasing need for space. The addition of the 9238 building increased Reliable’s presence on Parklane Avenue to 30,000 square feet. The additional 10,000 square foot of dedicated warehouse space for finished goods and raw material allows Reliable to meet its 100% on time delivery goal.
2025
Reliable has seen its fair share of challenges over the past 80 years, starting with the early passing of its founder Clarence H. Ruesch. Over the years it has endured recessions, periods of inflation, material shortages, wars, changing domestic and world markets, management transitions and let us not forget a world-wide pandemic. Each situation had its own challenges, and Reliable’s simple business philosophy of honesty, integrity and quality has allowed it to flourish and transition to the 4th generation of family ownership. Reliable’s dedicated employees, vendors and a loyal customer base, is the core of Reliable’s success. These fundamental relationships are what makes it Reliable.
