About Us

We're growing.

A vertically integrated custom molding facility built on a long history of quality and precision.

Who We Are

KNAPP MFG., INC. is a custom molding facility that welcomes all vendors that require any aspect of design, prototyping, tooling, molding, testing, and assembly. We are a vertically integrated molding facility. Our capabilities give the customer the ability to see a project from conception to final packaged product. We pride ourselves on being able to create a custom solution for any problem customers come to us with.

Tolerances

Knapp's skilled craftsmen are capable of ultra-tight tolerances to meet customer needs. Knapp can build SPI Class 101 tools and mold parts that hold tolerances as tight as +/- .0005 of an inch. Critical areas of our tools for these parts are built within +/- .0001". Our quality team closely monitors this detailed process to ensure precision. We currently run over 100 million parts a year with this tolerance on critical features of customer products.

What We Do

Products across a variety of industries

Medical

  • Tracheal tubes
  • Brain biopsy needle guides
  • Obturators

Cleaning Technologies

  • Diversey Care's Opti-fill™ detergent & disinfectant
  • RTD Orifice Rings for dispensing ratios
  • Assorted spray tips
  • Spill-proof bottle plugs & dispensing caps

Aeronautics

  • Gear mechanisms for altimeters
  • Avionic gauges

Our History

The full story

Knapp MFG., INC. has a long history of quality and precision beginning with founder Fred Knapp. Since then the business has evolved into a precision plastic injection molding facility while maintaining the strong reputation the Knapp family established. Twelve additions have been completed to the original building to accommodate expanding growth.

  1. 1935

    Fred Knapp tested the limits of the Gorton engraving machine, engraving the "Lord's Prayer" on a piece of gold .005" in diameter — about the size of the point of a pin.

  2. 1945

    Fred Knapp started Fred Knapp Engraving Co. Inc., specializing in steel marking stamps, engraved signs, and dials. His three sons — Bob, Rich, and Ray — soon joined.

  3. 1955

    A new building was constructed at our current Racine location. The company expanded its capabilities with the addition of plastic injection molding to its engraving work.

  4. 1975

    Knapp Manufacturing, Inc. purchased the Fluidic Division of Johnson Controls — now known as Air Logic — specializing in custom molded pneumatic and vacuum components.

  5. 1993

    Three longtime employees — Jay Haertel, John Boticki, and David Horvath — purchased the company, evolving it into a precision plastic injection molding and tool & die maker.

  6. 2013

    Fred Knapp Engraving Co. became Knapp MFG., INC. to better represent the business today.

  7. 2018

    Construction of the Innovation & Technology Center — the latest of twelve additions to the original building to accommodate expanding growth.

2018 Construction

Innovation & Technology Center

In 2018 we completed our Innovation & Technology Center — the latest expansion supporting our design, tooling, and molding capabilities. It reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in advanced manufacturing, our people, and the community of Racine, Wisconsin.

Precision components produced at Knapp Mfg.

Need more details?

Let's build your next precision part.

We are here to assist. Reach out for design, tooling, molding, or assembly — from conception to final packaged product.

Contact Us

Our Address

5102 Douglas Ave, Racine, WI 53402