In an era where manufacturing increasingly moves overseas and family businesses often struggle to survive, a father-son team in Illinois has proven that American-made quality can still thrive through a generational transition. At Morlin Manufacturing, where every product proudly bears a “Made in USA” sticker, Nick and Andrew Belleson have built a legacy that spans four decades and two generations, demonstrating that old-school craftsmanship and modern business practices can successfully coexist.
The company’s story begins in 1983, when Nick Belleson, fresh from his stint at Lock Former, launched a venture that would transform the sheet metal industry. Initially, Morlin started with three partners, but Nick gradually bought them out over several years. “It took me like six or eight years to buy them out,” Nick recalled. “Then everything started happening. We just got bigger and busier.”
Four years after founding the company, a pivotal opportunity arose when Milwaukee Tool signaled its willingness to sell a discontinued electric hammer that had generated a strong following in the sheet metal industry.
“They were going to sell it to a Japanese company,” Nick said. That deal’s collapse created an unexpected opening. After months of negotiations with Milwaukee Tool’s vice president, Nick secured the rights for a fraction of his original asking price.
It was a gamble that required a bank loan on a modest $80,000 house. “We didn’t even deserve to get the money,” Nick admitted with a chuckle, “but they trusted us.” His instincts proved right: “We paid back a 10-year loan in just two years.”
The electric hammer became the cornerstone of Morlin’s success – a tool so well-engineered that its basic design remains largely unchanged after more than three decades. For the largely residential sheet metal HVAC contractors Morlin caters to, nothing has changed in the tool’s assembly, utility, or crasftmanship, although they have streamlined component production and prefabrication with manufacturing vendors.
A Name With Meaning
The company’s name itself reflects its familial roots, combining “Maureen” (Nick’s wife) and “Linda” (his former business partner’s wife) to create “Morlin” – a detail known to few until now. This personal touch characterizes much of how the Bellesons approach business, maintaining what Andrew calls “old-school values with New Age snippets.”
Andrew’s path to leadership began early – quite literally at his father’s workbench. “I was putting parts together for hammers when I was a kid because I was here hanging out,” he remembered. Now 38, his two-decade journey through the family business has brought fresh perspectives while honoring traditional values.
After college, Andrew carved his own path by establishing Affordable HVAC Machinery, focusing on equipment repair and refurbishment. “We started that separate company at the time, and have since merged it together,” Andrew explained. The timing proved perfect – it was post-recession, and contractors were more interested in rebuilding old equipment than buying new. This venture has since merged with Morlin to create a more comprehensive service offering.
Today, the combined operation maintains dual facilities in Illinois and Naples, Florida, allowing the father-son team to “double dip” markets while maintaining efficient footprints in both locations.
“Between my dad and I, one of us is normally there throughout the year to oversee operations,” Andrew explained, describing their tag-team approach to management as Andrew has gradually taken on more and more responsibilities. The strategy has proved effective, allowing them to serve customers year-round while maintaining personal oversight of both facilities.
COMPLEX: With 50-plus parts, the signature Morlin Manufacturing electric hammer was originally manufactured by Milwaukee Tool in the ’70s. The design hasn’t changed much since then.
Product Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence
The signature electric hammer remains their flagship product. It is likewise their most popular repair item, as hammering metal is bound to wear down even the most well-constructed equipment.
“Everything is U.S.-made that we sell,” Nick emphasized. “Sometimes we were tempted on buying some overseas things, but we didn’t really want to do it.”
Beyond the electric hammer, they offer three models of pneumatic hammers, including the popular Model 5200 with its side lever activation. Nick’s practical approach to innovation is evident in how he developed the air-powered line: “I designed it in my head … called a company in Michigan that made pneumatic tools, and we worked it out.”
That collaboration continues today, exemplifying Morlin’s commitment to lasting business relationships. The manufacturing process involves a network of trusted local partners.
“We have four or five machine shops make all our parts,” Nick explained. Assembly takes place both in-house and through trusted partners, with some components being assembled during weekends and evenings to maintain production flow.
The complexity of their signature tool is evident in the assembly process. “That’s how many pieces of parts are in there,” Nick said, showing the disassembled electric hammer with 50-plus parts. “That’s exactly how it looks before it’s put together.”
The company’s reputation for durability has become legendary among contractors.
“We get phone calls weekly from customers talking about equipment they’ve had for 38 years,” Andrew noted. This longevity has fostered a strong repair revenue stream, with customers often sending in decades-old tools for repair.
Their repair service has become a significant part of their business model.
“When they break, they’ll say, ‘I’ll buy a new one today and send my old one back for a backup,'” Nick explained. The company handles repairs from across the country, with about 80% of repair work focusing on their hammer line. The remaining 20% involves larger equipment like roll formers, Pittsburgh machines, and lock formers.
ASSEMBLE: While the temptation to import cheaper manufacturing components from abroad was there, the father-son duo at Morlin refused.
Adapting to Modern Markets
While maintaining traditional distribution networks, the company has embraced modern direct to consumer tactics. A recent expansion to Amazon has opened new revenue streams, proving surprisingly successful.
“It’s been really nice so far,” Andrew noted. “That’s the first place people turn nowadays.”
The company has authority to sell products from other major manufacturers in the sheet metal industry. As Andrew explains, they sell Lock Former (now part of Mestek Machinery) and Flagler equipment, and they’re a representative for Whitney. This strategic positioning allows them to serve their niche market with both their manufactured products and complementary equipment from trusted industry names.
Their reputation extends beyond U.S. borders, particularly with their pneumatic hammer line. “We have a lot of overseas customers internationally because there’s no electrical requirements,” Andrew explained. “Plus they’re heavier gauge capacity. So those are popular little units.”
Their commitment to American manufacturing has proved prescient in recent years, shielding them from supply chain disruptions and tariff concerns that plague competitors relying on overseas production. “We kind of sit back and watch that unfold,” Andrew noted.
They’ve streamlined operations over the years, particularly in the last five to seven years, by partnering with local machine shops for some assembly work. This approach maintains quality control while improving efficiency, allowing them to focus on their core strengths.
The Future of Family Manufacturing
As Nick gradually steps back from day-to-day operations, he expresses unwavering confidence in the company’s future under his son’s guidance.
“He runs everything. He does a great job,” Nick said, noting he observed his son evolve from a skilled assembler and fixer, to a successful businessman.
The transition represents more than a simple handover – it’s the merger of traditional values with modern business practices. Under Andrew’s leadership, the company continues to find new ways to serve their loyal customer base while maintaining the quality and personal service that built their reputation.
“These tools have been on the market forever,” Nick concluded. “When I first started this business, I thought, well, ‘it’s probably not going to last forever,’ you know. But we’re still here — adapting with the times.”