The Story of Lake Country - Lake Country Manufacturing

Who We Are

Lake Country Manufacturing is a privately-owned manufacturer of buffing and polishing products for the industrial; paint, body and equipment (PBE); detailing and consumer markets. We strive to find profitable solutions for our worldwide network of distribution partners by developing proprietary products and customized buffing systems. Innovation is a foundational part of our business–we currently hold 69 US and international patents, including the System 2000™ Pad Washer, System 4000® Pad Washer, Scuff Ball™, and CCS Technology™. Continually reinvesting in our business by acquiring cutting-edge equipment, expanding into larger facilities and enhancing our product lines contributes to our history of growth and success.

Lake Country DNA

pillars of the LC culture

Unmatched Expertise

Learn from the polishing pros! Through more than 60 years of hands-on experience, we’ve developed a deep, comprehensive body of knowledge. We share these insights with our customers through ongoing education and training opportunities.

Continuous Innovation

Customers recognize us by our cutting-edge products and first-to-market strategy. We are dedicated to staying at the forefront of buffing product innovation. As the market evolves, we’ll continue to develop exciting new solutions to meet customer needs.

Powerful Partnerships

A diverse worldwide group of distribution partners sell our premium pads and accessories. If you’re interested in becoming a distributor, we provide plenty of support to help you succeed–everything from private label products to a dedicated account manager.

Become a Distributor

Workplace Excellence

Our people are our culture. Without a doubt, this team is the best in the business. We’re always looking for driven, talented individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset and a “get it done” attitude to join the Lake Country Manufacturing family.

History

Major Milestones

1883

Milwaukee Tanning is established by the Knoernschild family. It manufactures four main lines of goods: sheepskin apparel, powder puffs, leather dice cups and sheepskin buffing pads.

1977

Jim Schneider purchases the former Milwaukee Tanning company from the Knoernschild family and changes the name to Lake Country Manufacturing. The business moves into a 10,000-square foot facility in Merton, Wisconsin.

1980s

The cosmetic powder puff division is sold off as Lake Country Manufacturing focuses its efforts on buffing pads. LC develops the first foam pads to be offered in the US market.

1989

Lake Country Manufacturing moves to a larger manufacturing facility in Hartland, Wisconsin, doubling the operational size.

1990s

LC’s tradition of innovation continues. In 1995, LC is the first to introduce European prepolymer foams in the US market. More new products are launched, including the System 2000™ Padwasher in 1996 and VC pads in 1997.

2001

With the arrival of a new millennium, LC continues to develop new products. Tufted foam pads are launched this year.

2010s

Three new product innovations are developed in quick succession. The Scuff Ball™ hits markets in 2010, followed by CCS pads in 2011 (to improve upon competitors’ waffle pad designs) and HDO pads in 2012.

2014

Lake Country moves into our state-of-the-art 82,000-square foot building located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The System 3000™ Padwasher hits the market.

2020

LC expands its international presence, particularly in the United Kingdom, and opens a global training center to educate users about buffing and polishing.

Beyond

Lake Country Manufacturing continues to be forward-looking, with a dynamic growth and innovation strategy driving everything we do.

Lake Country Swag

Love Lake Country Manufacturing products? Visit our Lake Country Swag Store to browse the latest LC-branded shirts, hats and more.

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