1955
The precision tooling and machining company that would later become Universal Brixius is formed by Woodrow Brixius, who worked from his basement on the northwest side of Milwaukee. By the late 1960’s, his operation had grown to four buildings and about 460 employees, making it the largest job shop in the Midwest.
1979
Woodrow Brixius passes away and the company is run by his widow, an attorney, accountant and its sales manager.
1986
Universal Brixius is acquired by Charlie Goad. At the time of the purchase, the company has about 60 employees in two buildings. Goad consolidates operations into one location and increases sales by 600 percent by the late 1990’s. Brian Nuetzel and Wayne Matthiesen run most of the day-to-day operations at the facility.
2000
Goad sells Universal Brixius to MIC Group, a division of J.B. Poindexter Co. Inc.
2009
MIC Group decides to close Universal Brixius; Matthiesen and Nuetzel acquire its machinery, tooling and long-term lease and form Matzel Manufacturing Inc.
