Lundell Mfg. Co., Inc.

Lundell Manufacturing was founded in 1945. Vernon Lundell began operation out of his father's garage in rural Meriden, twelve miles northwest of Cherokee. "I had $140 in my pocket and lots of ideas, and that was all I needed to get started," says Lundell.

His first invention was a two-wheel dumpcart. Since then, Lundell Manufacturing has based its reputation on thirty different farm machines, including flail harvesters, cubing machines, plows and shredders (all designed by Lundell). Lundell offers turnkey recycling operations, including buildings, equipment and training. He's also sold millions of dollars worth of patents to America's leading farm equipment makers.

Lundell's idea for the recycling machine came to him in 1980. His brother, who operated a trash-hauling company, casually suggested he invent a machine to do recycling. In part, the new venture was a response to the skidding farm economy which was causing a downturn in Vernon's profitable business of manufacturing equipment. Today, his invention helps divert and recycle up to 90 percent of municipal solid waste.