Ci-Dell Celebrates its 40th Anniversary: An Evolution from Humble Beginnings to Thermoset Leadership

In 1986, Ken and Lori Cihlar sold their house and borrowed money from family to start a new thermoset molding business in Waukesha, Wis. They had no idea that, four decades later, the company would become one of the top providers of thermoset parts in the nation, serving high-profile customers such as the U.S. military and leading manufacturers in aerospace, automotive and industrial power. 

Forty years ago, Ci-Dell leased space in an incubator facility and started with one second-hand press molding machine and three employees; Ken and a business partner each ran presses and quoted new jobs in alternating 12-hour shifts while Lori managed the bookkeeping part time. Their first son, 1-year old KC (Ken Jr.), slept in the office while they worked. 

Those humble beginnings are a stark contrast to today. Now Ci-Dell has 75 employees, 23 molding machines, and a dedicated 30,000-sq ft. facility in Mequon, WI. KC is the current company president.

In the Beginning

For the company’s first two years, Ken and Lori didn’t earn a salary. All the income from the first few molding projects was used to pay the bills. The first client was a manufacturer of rooftop HVAC units, for which Ci-Dell molded their electrical insulators. A relationship with a molding machine maker in Germany led to more local customer referrals. In 1989, Ci-Dell was awarded a job by a Milwaukee-area carbon material supplier to design and build multi-cavity molds, then mold seals for medical blood circulating devices, 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.

“Then they started giving us more parts to mold and different parts to mold, and we couldn’t grow fast enough for them to keep up with their demands,” Cihlar recalls. “So, they installed new molding presses in our shop in exchange for discounted parts. It was an ideal set-up for a small company like ours.”

To fulfill the growing orders, Ci-Dell hired more employees and invested in automation to help perform the more repetitive tasks. By 1999, the company outgrew its space and built a new facility where it remains today. That continuous investment in skilled labor and advanced technology has given Ci-Dell the edge to stay competitive for four decades.

Enduring Values

While other thermoset plastic molding companies have closed or switched to other molding materials, Ci-Dell has remained constant in the industry. Thermoset materials have been growing in popularity over the past couple years as viable substitutes for metals. In particular, the long-life, durability and light weight of thermosets have helped Ci-Dell gain the attention of companies in automotive and aerospace, including the U.S. Department of Defense.

But what’s made Ci-Dell especially resilient has been its ability to adapt to new technologies and a dedication to collaborating with customers to solve their biggest challenges.

 “As a familyowned manufacturer, our values have remained simple. We take care of people, work hard, make honest partnerships, and do the right thing even when no one is watching,” KC Cihlar says. “These principles guide every decision we make and every product that leaves our doors.”

Employee longevity has been a point of pride for Ci-Dell, with some people staying for decades. For example, Ellen, a machine attendant and inspector who started in 1989, plans to retire in 2026. Donna has worked in the shop for 29 years as a machine operator. Sarah Wallner, the sales and marketing manager since 2008, has been a well-known figure in the thermoset industry.

 “I’ve assisted this company to grow threefold in revenue, market presence and production capacity, and we’ve achieved it through disciplined execution and strategic focus,” Wallner says. “It’s remarkable how well our team has worked together to expand the core customer base, supported by investments in scalable infrastructure and ever-evolving operational capabilities.”   

A Family Affair

Ken and Lori’s sons, KC and Nolan, grew up in the shop. KC trained in all aspects of the operation while completing coursework toward an Electrical Engineering Technician degree, eventually becoming president when Ken retired in 2024. Nolan became the IT Supervisor in 2011.

“Our sons grew up knowing eventually that they would be a big part of this business,” Ken says. “Years ago, I mentioned the idea of selling the business, but they were strongly against it, and I was glad. So, when it was time for me to retire, I said ‘Okay, you run with it.” You guys are taking over.’ They’ve really grown this business steadily by increasing sales, adding people and machines, and getting certifications in military and aerospace manufacturing. Lori and I are really impressed and proud of what our sons have accomplished so far.”

As for the future, a third generation of family leadership is within the realm of possibility. KC brings his sons, ages 10 and 8, to the shop sometimes to plant a seed of interest – following in his parents’ footsteps.

“Our parents taught us to appreciate honesty, hard work, and a commitment to continuous learning,” Nolan Cihlar says. “When we encounter a new challenge, we don’t shy away from it. It’s in our blood to figure it out, refine it, and deliver results. It’s been the philosophy behind how we serve our customers and how we’ve grown as a company.”

Want to tap into Ci-Dell’s 40 years of expertise in thermoset molding? Contact Ci-Dell to talk about solving your parts challenges.