After over two decades in Sheboygan exploring various manufacturing partnerships, in 1874, Jacob Vollrath decided to set out on a business venture of his own: the Sheboygan Cast Steel Company.

Located on 6th Street in Sheboygan, this business, which eventually became The Vollrath Company, originally manufactured railroad frogs, small cast parts for the furniture industry, as well as cooking ranges and agricultural implements.

During this time, Jacob’s eldest son Andrew was in Germany learning the process of porcelain enameling, a capability the pair hoped would help expand their fledgling business.

When Andrew returned, the father and son duo tested out the new process repeatedly with no success. The two men came to the conclusion that they must be missing part of the process, so Andrew went back to Germany to investigate.

Upon his return in 1876, limited production of enamelware began. Eventually, this helped the company take off. By 1881, Jacob employed 40 men and grossed sales of $50,000 annually. This growth necessitated a new factory that was built at Vollrath’s current location on North 18th St. In Sheboygan.

Today, Vollrath is a global company with 12 facilities on three continents and employing over 1,300 people. But it will forever be tied to the modest beginnings in the city it still calls home.