Our History

1945

Humble Beginnings

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.

1962 - Present

1962

Franklin Park Headquarters

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.

2001

Business Acquisition

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

More Room to Stretch and Grow

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.

Kaizen concept; the continuous improvement in business for efficiency and effectiveness. Kaizen cycle; improve, continuous, process, result, standard solution. Quality improvement, standardization.

2025

80^th Anniversary

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.

Golden anniversary sign with ring and red ribbon isolated on white background

1945

1947-1957

1957-1962

1962

1966

1986

1988

2001

2014

2025

Reliable Leadership

2023 - Present: Jason M. Ruesch

Served as Vice President 2021 – 2022

1998 - 2022: Carl D. Ruesch

Vice President 1991 – 1998 & 2023 – Present

1991 - 1998: Clarence W. Ruesch

Served as Vice President 1958 – 1991

1958 - 1991: Victoria Ruesch

1945 – 1958: Clarence H. Ruesch (Jake)

Reliable Metal Stamping