Superior Industries started out simply by building and repairing conveyors, but soon ventured further into the aggregate manufacturing market. In 1974, Superior made a deal with Ersham Manufacturing of Enterprise, Kansas, acquiring their conveyor idler inventory, presses and tooling. Manufacturing both conveying systems and their accompanying accessories, a rare business model still to this day, proved to be a great strategy for growth.

Founder Neil Schmidgall’s belief that hard work leads to a life of accomplishment and deep satisfaction was handed down to him from his father and grandfather. He was able to instill those same beliefs in his employees. The culture of opportunity that Neil fostered at Superior has helped to sustain the small, rural community in Morris, Minnesota.

The freedom and leadership that Neil provided to his employees prepared Superior to become an industry leader. In 1997, Neil encouraged two ambitious engineers at Superior to develop a new telescoping radial stacking conveyor. Their following research and design resulted in the production of the TeleStacker® Conveyor, Superior Industries’ signature product that expanded its customer base to 6 continents.

As Superior has led the industry in new conveyor technology during the 2000s, its operations have expanded considerably. Superior Industries has acquired new businesses all across the U.S., Canada, and Brazil. The company now employs over 1,600 people. In 2008, Superior acquired Westmor Industries, LLC, a neighbor in Morris, Minnesota, and the community’s second largest manufacturer.