Celebrating 136 Years of McDonough Manufacturing
This year marks an exciting milestone for McDonough Manufacturing—136 years of innovation, quality, and leadership in the sawmill equipment industry! To celebrate, we sat down with Sue Tietz, CEO of McDonough, to reflect on the incredible journey the company has taken over the years. From its beginnings in 1888 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to becoming a globally recognized name, Sue’s personal story is a key part of the company’s history. Her insights offer a unique perspective on what has helped McDonough thrive for over a century.
Sue’s connection to McDonough goes back to her high school years, but her career plans were initially quite different. She earned a degree in social work from UW Eau Claire, with hopes of working with people with Downs syndrome. After graduating in 1971, she returned to McDonough as she prepared for her next chapter, and it wasn’t long before she realized this family business was where she belonged. “No regrets!” Sue says with a smile, reflecting on how her path evolved from that point forward.
Sue’s grandfather purchased McDonough Manufacturing from the original McDonough family, setting the stage for a new era. Under her father’s leadership, the company grew and became known for engineering innovations that transformed the industry, like the End Dogger and, many years later, the McDonough Edger. These products weren’t just game-changers; they helped establish McDonough as a name synonymous with high-performance machinery in the sawmill world.
As Sue looks back on McDonough’s long history, she credits the company’s success not only to its engineering innovations but also to the strong leadership in sales and customer service. “We’ve always had forward-thinking engineers and a sales team that truly understands the customer’s needs,” she says. This combination of top-tier engineering and a customer-first approach has kept McDonough competitive for over a century.
There have been challenges along the way, of course. In 1989, the company moved into a new manufacturing facility to meet growing demand—a major milestone for the business. But just a year later, in 1990, Sue’s father passed away. It was a difficult time, but the company pressed on, and in 1995, Sue’s son Matt joined McDonough, bringing fresh ideas and a new energy to the team.
As CEO, Sue continues to guide the company today, but she’s also transitioning leadership to the next generation. Matt Tietz and Hugh Hawley are now taking the reins, bringing their innovative spirit and forward-thinking approach to the table. Sue remains involved, offering her vast experience and supporting Matt and Hugh as they lead McDonough into the future.
One of the most exciting developments in McDonough’s history was the company’s expansion into Canada in 2017, marking an important step in broadening its global presence. Then, in 2023, McDonough acquired BID Canada in Woodstock, New Brunswick, strengthening its foothold in the Canadian market and creating more opportunities for growth. While Sue believes her father and grandfather might have had reservations about such moves, she sees them as necessary for the company’s long-term success. “They would have been amazed at the computerization of our products, but I think they’d agree it’s necessary to stay ahead,” Sue says, acknowledging the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and growth.
As we celebrate 136 years of McDonough Manufacturing, it’s clear that family, innovation, and a lot of hard work have been the foundation of the company’s success. With Sue, Matt and Hugh now leading the way, McDonough is poised for even greater achievements in the years ahead. Here's to the next 136 years—filled with progress, growth, and, of course, plenty of celebration!
