History

The West Shore Manufacturing Company was founded by Orlo Christensen and Gordon Thorson and based in Kewaunee, WI. An old press was purchased, and as two entrepreneurs and experimenters, they started working with “minting” medals.

Thorson passes away, and Tom Tadych was hired as the company’s manager. Tadych purchases half the stock from Thorson’s widow and changes the name to The Medalcraft, Inc. Shortly thereafter, Medalcraft began to supply award medals to the Wisconsin High School Music Association and other associations.

Medalcraft receives 1st Place Gold Award in Metal Striking through PPAI (Promotional Products Advertising Institute).

Christensen retires and Tadych buys remaining stock in the company. Tadych moves the company to a 4,600 sq foot building located on Gross Ave. in Green Bay, WI, about two blocks south of what is now Stadium View, now Holmgren Way. The stock line was also created and sold through the trophy dealer industry.

Medalcraft moved to 2660 W Mason St, which was 15,500 sq. feet.

Medalcraft joins the Advertising Specialty Institute, or ASI.

The name is changed to The Medalcraft Mint, Inc.

Medalcraft adds on to the building, making the square footage 32,000 sq. feet.

John Gregg is hired as President and Tom Tadych plays a less active role. Gregg would soon purchase the company from Tadych.

Medalcraft is purchased by Ron Chimenti from John Gregg.

Medalcraft won the contract to produce the Official Inaugural Coin for George W Bush. Medalcraft has also won 19 Gold Awards in Metal Striking over the last 27 years. Medalcraft Mint would go on to produce inaugural coins for Barack Obama and Donald J. Trump.

Medalcraft launches an OEM division; designing and manufacturing medals and emblems to enhance products. This includes Kohler, Zippo, Brunswick and others.

Jerry Moran purchases Medalcraft Mint from Ron Chimenti, and invests over $1M to increase production efficiencies, such as CNC’s to mechanically cut dies. The vision was created to not only sell a high-quality product, but at a speed no competition could beat.

The Government sales division is started.

Medalcraft expands the toolroom by purchasing a Datron CNC machine.

Strategic planning and action begins to significantly grow the company by 2020. The plan is to invest $1 million annually, included in that is the training and development of employees.

Medalcraft Mint is approved by the Institute of Heraldry to produce military insignia.

Medalcraft introduces automation to Enameling by purchasing three robots to keep our vision of selling speed to market intact.

Medalcraft purchases another Datron CNC machine.

Medalcraft puts a focused effort on gaining market share in the Corporate and Educational markets.

Medalcraft acquires “Medallic Art and Mint”, formerly two companies: Medallic Art Company and Northwest Territorial Mint. This move makes Medalcraft Mint the largest private mint in all North America. Medalcraft currently employs approx. 90 employees along with a 6,000 sq. foot warehouse off-site to accommodate added equipment and production.

Continued investment in the company and employees to be the best private mint in all North America.