Our History

Bold Machine Works was founded in 1880 by German immigrant William M. Bold, and it has been family-owned and operated ever since. When his descendant Howard Bold decided to retire, he knew he wanted to pass the shop on to his employees who had worked there for long enough to become like family to him: Don and Nancy Williams.

Don Williams has worked at the shop for 40 years, and his father Ace Williams had worked there since 1936. Don was raised in the shop with his dad, and Jennifer with her dad and grandpa, and now Travis with his mom and grandpa. Don and Nancy have offices side-by-side, and the shop has become an integral part of their family’s life.

In 2009, Bold Machine Works was honored to be recognized by the Illinois State History Society for exceeding 100 years of continuous operation in the community. Here’s to many more.