Note: The Icon acquired a manuscript titled “A Brief History of Bluffton’s Industrial Developments.” This publication was prepared by the classes in Marketing and Small Business Administration from Bluffton College, under the director of Dr. Howard Raid. Publication date is May 1959. We’ve updated some current addresses so viewers may identify locations.

Oldaker Manufacturing Company

Mr. Oldaker is a graduate of Lima South High School and has lived in the Bluffton area most of his life. His factory is located on Route 30 N approximately eight miles from Beaverdam.

In 1937 Mr. Oldaker went to work for the Bell Sound System, Inc., in Columbus. He worked there for 12 years as a product engineer. He then came back to Bluffton and went into business for himself.

The Oldaker Manufacturing is owned and operated by Mr. Oldaker. There are no stockholders in the company. He started the business with eight machines 12 years ago. At this time there were no other employees. He and his wife operated the business by themselves. He now has eight employees and approximately 25 machines.

Following are a few of the items the company manufactures:
• Electronic bar to bar testers
• Public address amplifiers
• Test leads
•  Vent tubes used for auxiliary gas tanks.

Me. Oldaker does not employ any salesmen. Orders are usually taken by phone or mail. His products are manufactured for wholesalers and other manufacturers.

The Oldaker Manufacturing has made parts for IBM, Columbus Metal Products, National Coil of Columbus, American (electric) Motors, O.K. Manufacturing in Ada, and Triplett Electric.

Oldaker Manufacturing manufactures approximately 90 percent of Triplett’s “leads.” His products have a wide distribution and have been shipped as far as Cuba.

With the exception of a slight slump in business last year, the Oldaker Manufacturing has continuously increased its production from year to year.

Interviewers: Delbert Karnes and Ron Lora
Main source: Mr. Oldaker