From Everyday Parts to Global Impact: How Orscheln Products Is Powering Manufacturing Around the World

Guest: Jerry Frans, Orscheln Products
Host: Tim Ridderbos, VP at Shapiro

What do parking brake levers, transmission shifters, accelerator pedals, and dipsticks have in common? They may not be the flashiest products in manufacturing, but they are essential, widely used, and quietly powering industries around the world.

In this episode of 5 for Five, Shapiro’s Tim Ridderbos talks with Jerry Frans of Orscheln Products about the company’s 80-year legacy, the importance of seemingly simple components, and why the future of manufacturing may be closer than many people think.

From Missouri-made parts with global reach to customer support systems that extend far beyond the factory floor, Jerry shares how Orscheln continues to evolve while staying grounded in quality, service, and manufacturing excellence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Time Stamps:

00:08 – Who is Jerry Frans?
00:35 – What Orscheln Products manufactures
01:20 – Orscheln’s 80-year manufacturing legacy
02:05 – The global reach of “simple” components
02:50 – The story behind the fluid level indicator
03:30 – How partnerships and networks support growth
04:10 – Supporting customers through the FAST program
05:00 – Why Jerry is optimistic about manufacturing’s future

80 Years of Manufacturing Excellence

Orscheln Products is celebrating 80 years in business, with roots dating back to 1946. Based in Moberly, Missouri, the company employs around 300 people locally and also operates facilities in England and India to support customers around the globe.

Its product lineup includes parking brake levers, transmission shifters, accelerator pedals, and fluid level indicators, serving industries that range from off-highway and aerospace to government applications.

That longevity reflects more than staying power. It reflects the ability to adapt, serve specialized markets, and consistently deliver products that customers rely on every day.

The “Coolest” Products Aren’t Always Obvious

One of the most memorable parts of the conversation centers on Orscheln’s finalist entry in the Coolest Things Made in Missouri contest: a fluid level indicator, better known as a dipstick.

At first glance, it may not seem like the most exciting product in the world. But that is exactly the point. Some of the most important products in manufacturing are the ones that quietly perform critical functions every single day.

As Jerry explained, a component made in Missouri can end up under the hood of a vehicle almost anywhere in the world. That reach is a powerful reminder that local manufacturing can have global impact, even when the product itself appears simple.

Scaling Through Networks and Partnerships

Orscheln is also growing through strategic partnerships and expanded capabilities. Through its Coleco division, the company is broadening its work in machining and plating, adding strength and flexibility to its overall manufacturing footprint.

Jerry also highlighted the value of organizations like the Missouri Association of Manufacturers, which help companies build connections, share ideas, and increase visibility across the state.

For manufacturers, networks like these are more than useful. They help create the relationships and collaboration needed to grow, solve problems, and stay competitive in a changing industry.

Customer Support Beyond the Factory

Orscheln’s focus does not stop once a product ships. The company places a strong emphasis on quality, uptime, and customer support, ensuring that customers and partners can maintain consistency in the field.

One example is Orscheln’s global FAST program, which supports a network of cable assemblers by providing standardized parts and equipment, training resources, and on-demand instructional videos.

That kind of support helps create consistency across a distributed manufacturing network and reinforces the idea that great manufacturing is not just about making parts. It is also about helping customers succeed after those parts leave the facility.

A Manufacturing Renaissance on the Horizon

Jerry shared a strong sense of optimism about where manufacturing is headed. He pointed to several trends that are creating momentum across the industry, including increased interest in skilled trades among younger generations, renewed emphasis on reshoring and domestic production, and growing collaboration through industry groups.

His outlook is rooted in both experience and observation: manufacturing is changing, and there is growing recognition of the opportunities it offers.

Whether through workforce development, supply chain shifts, or stronger regional networks, the industry appears to be entering a period of renewed energy and possibility.

Why It Matters

This conversation is a reminder that manufacturing impact is not always obvious at first glance. Sometimes it looks like a small component inside a global product. Sometimes it is a training resource that helps a worker halfway around the world. Sometimes it is a young person deciding to pursue a career in the trades.

Together, those moments tell a much bigger story, one about local expertise, global reach, and the steady innovation that keeps manufacturing moving forward.

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