• 602 E. Walnut St. Watseka, IL 60970
815-432-4938

Phone Number

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Built by Family.

Three generations of family ownership. Over 70 years of craftsmanship, quality, and showing up for our customers.
Trust Strip
Est. 1951
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Made in USA
Watseka, Illinois

Our Story

Three Generations. One Mission.

In 1951, Howard Dittrich and Otto Tauck opened a metal fabrication shop in Marengo, Illinois. Howard was the visionary. Otto ran the numbers. When the business outgrew its walls, Howard moved the company to an old manufacturing building in Watseka, Illinois, bought out his partner, and put down roots that are still there today.

His son Roger grew up in the business, starting as a tool and die apprentice in high school, working every position on the floor, and taking ownership in 1985 when his father retired. Today, Howard’s grandson Shane leads T&D, carrying the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship into the company’s next chapter.

Company History

1951
1954
1970
1983
1985
1989
1999
2000
2002
2003
2003
2009
2011
2011
2013
2019
2022
2023
1951
T&D Metal Products

Founded by Otto Tauck and Howard Dittrich in Garden Prairie, IL

1954
T&D Metal Products

Buys Old National Sewing Machine Plant and moves to Belvidere, IL

T&D Metal Products

Buys TRW Plant and moves to Watseka, IL 

1983
T&D Metal Products

20,000 sq. ft. addition is added to support distribution and warehousing.

howard
T&D Metal Products

Howard Dittrich retires and Roger Dittrich begins leading the company.

remline
T&D Metal Products

20,000 sq. ft. addition added to support Tool & Die and Offices, Partnership with Lyon Metal Products. Purchased REMLINE Toolbox Division

Petersen Tru-Cut Automotive

Howard Dittrich retires and Roger Dittrich begins leading the company.

T&D Metal Products

Fire destroys the main facility, Acquired Midwestern Industries (Go Karts)

MPD Medical Systems and Promo Kart

Established to service the Medical Cart and Accessory market, and Promotional Kart market

NAPA

First NAPA store is acquired which leads to 24 stores and a Distribution Center

C&L Trucking & Maintenance

Established to support growing transportation and logistics needs of the company and customers

SteelSoutions USA

Established after acquiring a casework company in North Carolina.

T&D Metal Products

Roger Dittrich retires and Shane Dittrich begins leading the company

Iroquois Industrial Group

Established

MAJAC Steel & Processing

Established after acquiring a steel processing facility in Indiana

Savannah Industrial Solutions

Purchased expanding casework offerings facility in Tennessee

Benda Conveyor Solutions

Purchased custom stainless steel conveyance facility in Illinois

MOD Interiors

Purchased custom fine architectural millwork facility in Michigan

Skilled Employees
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Sq Ft of Facility
0 K
Years in Business
0 +
Press Capacity
0 Ton
2015 Certified
ISO 9001

Our Philosophy

The Same Standard Since 1951.
People First

Our team’s expertise is built over years, and it shows in every part that leaves this building.

Quality Without Compromise
It’s how we operate every day, on every run.
Partnership Over Transaction

We’d rather build a ten-year relationship than win a one-time order. Bring us in early and we’ll help you reduce cost and solve problems before they start.

Our Team

Shane Dittrich
CEO / President - TD Metals
Alan Philipps
Director of Business Development
Chris Meredith
IT Director
Cole Dittrich
Controller
Jenny Musk
HR & Safety Manager
Lance Dittrich
Engineering & Tool and Die Manager
Maria Holloway
HR Assistant and Receptionist
Tom Sumner
Plant Manager
Troy Krumwiede
Director of Design & New Business Development

Let's Talk.

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Shane Dittrich
CEO & President
As President and CEO of T&D Metals, Shane Dittrich carries forward a family legacy spanning three generations, one he learned from the ground up, working alongside his grandfather and father before stepping into the role of leading the company himself. That foundation shapes everything about the way he leads today, aligning teams, customers, and operations around a shared commitment to quality work and lasting relationships. Shane believes deeply that a great company is built on great people, and that belief drives him to serve those around him and helps them grow into the best versions of themselves. His proudest milestones are not projects or contracts, but the employees who have grown through T&D Metals, and the legacy he is now building alongside his two sons. Outside of work, family is the motivation behind everything he does and the reason the T&D Metals legacy means so much to him.
Alan Philipps
Director of Business Development

As Director of Business Development at T&D Metals, Alan Philipps focuses on building new customer relationships and expanding the company’s reach. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience in metal fabrication and a dual background in Industrial Engineering Technology and Business Administration, he brings both real-world industry knowledge and a sharp business mindset to every opportunity. His ability to connect with customers and truly understand their needs makes him a trusted resource and a valuable part of the T&D Metals team.

Chris Meredith
IT Director
As IT Director at T&D Metals, Chris Meredith oversees all technical operations including networks, telephony, and computers, ensuring technology empowers every employee rather than slowing them down. With over 30 years of experience and a Security+ certification, he is a sharp problem-solver who finds solutions fast when challenges arise. Outside of work, Chris is deeply committed to serving his community through various civic organizations, and his passions extend to amateur radio, weather spotting, woodworking, and staying current with the latest technology, reflecting the same curiosity and drive he brings to work every day.
Cole Dittrich
Controller
Cole brings sharp financial instincts and a straightforward philosophy to his role as Controller at T&D Metals. Turning complex numbers into clear decisions and treating people the way you want to be treated. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University and early experience at Sikich, LLP, he has built a strong track record, including developing internal forecasting tools and playing a key role in the turnaround of T&D Metals’ Savannah, TN, location. Outside of work, Cole can be found on the golf course, chasing his passion for sports cars, or spending time with family and friends.
Jenny Musk
HR & Safety Manager
As HR & Safety Manager at T&D Metals, Jenny Musk oversees HR operations, recruiting, employee relations, compliance, and workplace safety, bringing a practical, people-first approach to her work. With over 20 years of human resources experience, she has built a reputation for handling tough situations with fairness, consistency, and a focus on real solutions, grounded in trust, accountability, and respect. Outside of work, Jenny served on her city council from 2021 through 2025 and treasures every moment spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Lance Dittrich
Engineering & Tool and Die Manager
As Engineering & Tool and Die Manager at T&D Metals, Lance Dittrich leads estimating, design, and process improvement while keeping the shop floor running at its best. A 4th-generation member of the T&D family, he grew up on the shop floor and has carried that deep-rooted passion into every role since, including helping land the largest contract in the company’s 75-year history with Oshkosh Defense. He leads with a firm yet fair approach and believes in who you know as much as what you know. Outside of work, Lance is family-oriented to the core and enjoys golf, cheering on the Bears, and days out on the water.
Maria Holloway
HR Assistant and Receptionist
As HR Assistant and Receptionist at T&D Metals, Maria is the first face employees and visitors see, setting the tone for the company’s welcoming, people-first culture. With 8 years of HR experience and a background in manufacturing and logistics, she manages recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, and safety training, bringing genuine empathy and integrity to every interaction. Outside of work, Maria is devoted to her family and community, showing the same heart she brings to the office every day.
Tom Sumner
Plant Manager
As Plant Manager overseeing four facilities in Watseka, Tom Sumner brings nearly 40 years of manufacturing experience to T&D Metals, with deep roots in metal stamping, tool and die, engineering, and management. He leads with a simple philosophy: hire great people, listen more than you talk, and never stop learning. Tom takes quiet pride in mentoring others and watching them thrive. Outside of work, he is a family man through and through, happiest at home with his wife, their two dogs, and his parents close by.
Troy Krumwiede
Director of Design & New Business Development
As Director of Design and New Business Development at T&D Metals, Troy Krumwiede leads product design, tooling, and customer relations while specializing in integrating Tool & Die principles directly into the design process, envisioning the finished result first and engineering backward to achieve it. With over 40 years of experience, his career highlights include earning his Journeyman Tool & Die certification and obtaining his first patent. Outside of work, Troy is a devoted husband, father of three, and proud seventh-generation farmer who serves his community through local government and mentors the next generation of skilled tradespeople through the Kankakee Area Community College Advisory Board.