The Story of Norden Manufacturing
From Hay Bale to Industry Leader
What do hay bales, homemade welding, and servant leadership have in common? They all helped shape the journey of Glendon Kuhns and his family-run company, Norden Manufacturing, into one of the most innovative OEMs in the agricultural equipment space.
On a recent episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson sat down with Glendon to explore the roots of Norden Mfg., their rise through the ag world, and how their values—faith, family, and fabrication—continue to guide the company’s growth.
A Family Legacy Built from the Ground Up
Norden Manufacturing didn’t start in a boardroom—it started behind a hay baler. Glendon, the oldest of seven siblings, remembers stacking square bales on the farm long before there was a company name. His father Kenny, seeing a better way to handle small hay bales, helped design a bale accumulator that laid the groundwork for their first patent and product.
From there, Norden grew organically, starting with custom fabrication and eventually expanding into full OEM production. Their journey from small-town welders to full-scale manufacturers is nothing short of inspiring.
Why the Name Norden?
Originally called Coons Manufacturing, the company changed its name to Norden in 2022 to avoid confusion with a larger competitor. But the new name means more than just a fresh brand—Norden is German for “north,” a nod to the family’s Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Their star logo represents the North Star—“a truth that’s bigger than all of us,” as Glendon puts it.
Leadership Rooted in Faith and Community
A key theme throughout the conversation was servant leadership. Glendon is open about his faith and how it informs his leadership style. “Leading people is really about serving them,” he shares. At Norden, employees aren’t just workers—they’re seen as whole people, accountable and cared for within a values-driven culture.
Glendon also speaks about the importance of community accountability—both in business and in life. As a member of the Beachy Amish Mennonite tradition, he emphasizes living authentically and walking alongside others in pursuit of truth and excellence.
Surviving and Thriving Through Change
Like many manufacturers, Norden faced headwinds after the pandemic. Supply chain volatility and rising costs challenged the team to think differently. Their solution? Diversification.
They expanded into custom manufacturing, fabricating attachments and components for other OEMs. The pivot paid off, and a connection made through the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) brought in vital new business.
“It was community that saved us,” Glendon says. “FEMA isn’t just networking—it’s family.”
What’s Next for Norden?
From bale accumulators and wheel rakes to innovative new tedders and utility attachments, Norden continues to develop products that help farmers work smarter. They’ve also expanded into graders and other tools essential for both ag and light construction.
And yes, they’re still farming—because they believe the best innovations come from real-world experience.
Final Thoughts: What You Can Learn
Whether you're leading a manufacturing business, building a family company, or just love stories of grit and growth—Glendon’s journey offers three big takeaways:
Start with a real need. Every great product solves a real problem.
Build on your values. Faith, community, and service can be powerful business tools.
Stay connected. Associations like FEMA can be a lifeline when challenges arise.
🔗 Connect with Norden Manufacturing
🌐 Website: nordenmfg.com
📧 Email: glendon@nordenmfg.com
📍 Location: Northeast Ohio – tours welcome!
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