Carl Edquist founded Carlson Tool & Manufacturing in 1958 with one simple vision: combine the best people with the best technology, and you’ll produce world-class tooling and machining. Nearly seven decades later, that vision still guides everything we do.
A legacy of craftsmanship spanning seven decades.
A Vision Takes Shape
After being recruited to work on the Manhattan Project, Carl Edquist witnessed firsthand what was possible when exceptional people were equipped with the best technology. Inspired by that experience, he founded Carlson Tool & Manufacturing in 1958, betting everything on a vision that would shape the company for generations to come.
Building a Reputation
As American manufacturing entered a period of rapid growth, Carlson grew alongside it. With a team of just ten employees, the company built its reputation on craftsmanship.
Growth Through Innovation
Customer demand for Carlson’s deep hole drilling expertise fueled rapid expansion, tripling the size of the facility and transforming the company from a tool & die shop into a broader manufacturing partner.
The CNC Revolution
The birth of the computer age changed manufacturing forever. Carlson embraced CNC machining early, investing in advanced technology that expanded capabilities, increased precision, and opened the door to customers around the world.
Engineering Complete Solutions
As manufacturing challenges became more complex, Carlson expanded beyond machining by adding engineering services, advanced quality inspection, and a second manufacturing facility dedicated to machining.
A True One-Stop Shop
Continued investments in engineering, tooling, quality, and manufacturing allowed Carlson to simplify production for customers, becoming a trusted one-stop manufacturing partner across an expanding range of industries.
Investing for Tomorrow
Carlson continued investing in what mattered most: people, technology, and capacity. A third manufacturing facility, growing workforce, and state-of-the-art automation positioned the company for the future.
Rising to the Challenge
The manufacturing landscape changed dramatically throughout the 2020s. Through global supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and economic uncertainty, Carlson remained committed to helping our customers navigate every challenge with dependable American manufacturing.
Today, that legacy lives on. We’ve grown, adapted, and invested in the tools and technologies needed to meet modern demands, while preserving the craftsmanship at our core. Our standards remain high for our people and for every product we build. We continue to take on the work that challenges us, because that’s where our commitment to precision and doing work that matters is put to the test.