The History of Sandkuhl Clay Works
Producing quality clay products has been a tradition in the Sandkuhl family for generations. In 1912 George Sandkuhl purchased the mill in Kossuth, Ohio froma a man named "Doc Gibbs". Although there is no written account of when the mill began to manufacture drain tile, it is believed by local residents to have been in the early 1870's. At present the mill is one of the oldest, if not the oldest business of its kind still operating in the state of Ohio.
In the early years of his ownership, George Sandkuhl was solely devoted to the manufacturing of clay drain tile. The tile was made from the rich blue clay drawn from local clay pits. Sandkuhl Tile was now draining off residential and farmlands in the part of Ohio known as the Great Black Swamp.
In 1931, George built a "modern" beehive kiln with a capacity to hold 33,000 feet of four-inch drain tile. After undergoing many renovations and repairs, that kiln is still in operation today. In those days, machine power was dependent on a steam boiler until electricity was introduced in 1937. The kilns have been fueled with wood, coal, fuel oil and presently natural gas.
The company has not gone without tradgedies. In 1935, George Sandkuhl lost his life at the plant, at which time his two oldest sons operated the business in estate. Charles Sandkuhl became the sole proprietor in 1940 when he purchased his brother Herman's half of the business. A disastrous fire swept through the plant in 1949 leaving only rubble, the kiln, and the tile machine to remain. Rebuilding began immediately and partial operation began one hundred days later.
In 1968, the business incorporated; Charles Sandkuhl served as President, his sons, Leslie and Lyle Sandkuhl, as Vice Presidents and his wife, Evalyn Sandkuhl, as Secretary.
Since that time, the plant has been completely rebuilt; more drying areas, a new shuttle kiln and natural gas burners have been added. In 1977 a ditching machine and all of the necessary equipment for the installation of drain tile was purchased. At that time the Sandkuhl Tile Company employed fourteen full time laborers.
With the retirement of Charles Sandkuhl, Leslie Sandkuhl became President of the company with Lyle Sandkuhl serving as Vice President. Under their management, the business has entered into other areas of ceramic ware such as the manufacture of refractory products for steel foundaries and flue liners for home construction.
In 1984 a sales department was added to Sandkuhl Tile and a full time sales manager was hired.
In 1992 Sandkuhl Tile Company changed its' name to Sandkuhl Clay Works, Inc. to better suit the diverse markets served by the company. Today Sandkuhl Clay Works has a large list of products; chimney flue liners, hand-made decorative chimney tops, refractory ware, and of course, drain tile, provide Sandkuhl Clay with many opportunities to better serve their customer's needs.
[Home] [Products] [Who Are We?] [Contact Us]
Through the years, Sandkuhl Clay has grown not only in size, but in experience as well. It is our goal to provide our customers with quality products made from our own natural clay. We strive to provide all of our customers with their clay product needs and the best service possible. We hope that you will make Sandkuhl Clay Works your natural choice.