Our History

Clow’s story begins with a commitment to doing things the right way and the discipline to keep improving. What started as a small metal fabrication shop has grown into one of the Midwest’s leading short- to medium-run metal stamping and fabrication manufacturers, trusted by OEMs across demanding industries.

The Early Years: Building the Foundation 

Three older men in suits stand together in front of a gray textured backdrop, smiling at the camera—capturing a proud moment in Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer history.

1970

Clow Stamping Company was established when Everett and Gladyce Clow purchased a small manufacturing shop with eight employees. The business was renamed and relocated from Bloomington to St. Louis Park, Minnesota, laying the foundation for a family-led manufacturing operation.

Six adults in formal attire stand indoors, smiling and holding plaques and an award. The background features wooden paneling and a red curtain, highlighting a Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer History recognition event.

1971

Clow hired its first manufacturers’ representative organization, expanding sales nationally and entering new markets including computer, copier, business equipment, and snowmobiles.

Black and white photo of a snowy parking lot with several parked pickup trucks in front of large, industrial-style buildings under a cloudy sky, reflecting the Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer History.

1973

Clow purchased a 15,750-square-foot facility in Merrifield, Minnesota, to support continued growth.

1980

Operations moved from St. Louis Park to Monticello, Minnesota.

Aerial view of Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer—an industrial facility with large white-roofed buildings, parking areas, and material stacks; its history rooted in a landscape of trees, roads, and grassy lots.

1985

Production was consolidated at the Merrifield facility, with Monticello designated for assembly, inspection, and packaging.

Growth, Structure, and Quality Systems

A certification label displaying ISO 9001 BUREAU VERITAS Certification with the Bureau Veritas logo, and the UKAS Management Systems logo featuring a check mark and crown, number 008—highlighting Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer History.

1996

Clow Stamping Company achieved ISO 9000 certification, formalizing its commitment to documented quality systems and continuous improvement.

A man in a green button-up shirt stands smiling with hands on hips in front of a pegboard wall covered with various metal parts, reflecting the proud Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer history.

2000

Reggie Clow was promoted to President.

A smiling woman, man, and young boy pose together at an outdoor park gathering. The woman holds a star-patterned cup, the boy has a toy, and others enjoy the day—celebrating local Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer History.

2001

An on-site daycare was opened to support employees and working families. The daycare operated until 2005.

A white and red industrial building with the sign Clow Stamping Co. stands under a clear blue sky, reflecting Midwest metal stamping manufacturer history. Landscaped gravel, shrubs, and plants line the front sidewalk area.

2006

All operations were combined under one roof at the Merrifield facility, improving efficiency, communication, and accountability across departments.

Recognition, Leadership, and Modernization

Two men in suits stand in front of a black and yellow John Deere sign, smiling at the camera, celebrating Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer history. One man has glasses and is older; the other has a mustache and is younger.

2009

Clow received the John Deere Achieving Excellence Award for performance in quality, delivery, and supplier partnership.

2013

Clow earned the John Deere Supplier Diversity Award.

A display features a Twin Cities Business magazine cover, a framed 100 People to Know in 2015 certificate, a photo of a smiling man in a workshop, and a plaque labeled Clow Stamping December 2014, highlighting Midwest metal stamping manufacturer history.

2015

Reggie Clow was honored as one of Twin Cities Business Magazine’s “100 People to Know,” recognizing leadership and regional impact.

A man in a blue shirt and cap operates a computer workstation with dual monitors in an industrial setting, surrounded by machinery—reflecting the Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer History of innovation and precision.

2017

Clow transitioned to a paperless production floor, introducing digital documentation and real-time access to production data.

Two people stand in a large industrial factory, reflecting on Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer history. The well-lit space features high ceilings, with machinery and equipment surrounding them as workers operate machines in the background.

2017

Lori Davies became Clow’s first non-family President, marking an important evolution in leadership while maintaining family ownership.

Rectangular logo with a dark background and an orange gradient top border. White text reads WE RUN ON EOS, with EOS in large letters. The O, resembling a segmented wheel or sun symbol, reflects Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer History.

2018

Clow implemented EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System®) Traction to strengthen alignment and execution across the organization.

A brightly lit factory floor with two large yellow industrial robots performing precision metal stamping and fabrication inside fenced workstations; control panels and equipment are visible in the background under a metal ceiling.

2020

Significant automation initiatives were introduced to improve consistency, efficiency, and process control across stamping and welding operations.

Recent Milestones and Continued Investment

Five people stand together indoors in front of a maroon wall; the person in the center holds a glass award. All, representing Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer History, are dressed in business or business-casual attire, smiling at the camera.

2023

Clow Stamping Company was named MPMA Manufacturer of the Year, recognizing excellence in manufacturing performance, innovation, and industry leadership.

A man in a black hat and a black and red shirt holds a blue glass award. Behind him, vertical rows of gold and silver records highlight the storied Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer History against a dark blue curtain background.

2023

Reggie Clow received the Business Legacy Award from the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, honoring his leadership and impact on the region’s economy and workforce.

A group of nine people, dressed in business attire, stand together smiling for a photo at an event. One person holds a trophy. The Kubota logo and Midwest Metal Stamping Manufacturer History are displayed on a screen in the background.

2023

Clow Stamping Company received the Supplier Excellence Award from Kubota Manufacturing of America for outstanding Quality, Deliver, and Cost Commitment. Clow was also recognized as Partner Supplier to Kubota Manufacturing of America.

Aerial view of a large Midwest Metal Stamping manufacturer facility with several connected white-roofed buildings near a pond, surrounded by trees and greenery, with a road and parking lots visible. A lake and forested areas are in the background.

2024

Clow completed a 106,000-square-foot facility expansion to support continued growth, automation, and capacity needs.

2025

The company formally transitioned to the Clow name, reflecting the evolution of its capabilities while honoring the legacy behind the brand.

Clow Today

Today, Clow operates from a single, fully integrated manufacturing campus in Merrifield, Minnesota, spanning more than 396,000 square feet and employing more than 400 full-time employees.

Our company provides precision metal stamping, fabrication, machining, and welded assemblies for OEMs across a wide range of industries. From agriculture and construction machinery to powersports, lighting, energy, commercial refrigeration, and beyond. Clow continues to serve multiple Fortune 500 customers while maintaining the responsiveness and accountability of a family-led organization.