Helping customers, communities and families thrive by building a foundation of trust since 1888.
About McDonough Manufacturing
Building a Foundation of Trust, Craftsmanship & Innovation Since 1888
It all began on the banks of the Eau Claire River in 1888, when Frank McDonough founded a small machine shop dedicated to creating sawmill equipment that surpassed anything else available. Drawing from his hands-on experience in sawmills, he aimed to combine superior strength and design simplicity.
By 1892, McDonough was granted the patent for the “Traveling Bed Feed Resaw,” later known as the Linebar Resaw—an innovation that helped many mills survive and thrive. Through the early 20th century, McDonough expanded, weathering eras of resource depletion, economic downturns, and shifting industry demands. Their guiding philosophy remained unwavering: durable, efficient, high‑quality machinery built for production.
A Company Built for the Long Haul
Throughout four generations, McDonough has invented key innovations like the patented End Dogging Log Feed system and the Super Duty Air-Strain framework for bandmills. Those designs have defined industry standards and reinforced their reputation for rugged reliability and precision performance.
In 1989, the company relocated to a modern 41,000-square‑foot facility in Eau Claire, marking a major investment in growth. Following the passing of longtime President Jack Kildahl in 1990, Sue Tietz—who began working in the plant during high school—assumed leadership, becoming the fourth-generation owner and carrying the family legacy forward.
Expanding Across Borders While Staying Grounded
In 2017, McDonough opened a manufacturing facility in Mactaquac, New Brunswick—its first international operation—focused on edger systems and material handling. In 2023, the acquisition of BID Canada Ltd. further solidified its position in the Canadian market, with operations now headquartered in Woodstock, New Brunswick.
Across locations in Eau Claire (Wisconsin) and Woodstock (New Brunswick), McDonough continues to build every machine—from engineering and fabrication to final testing—under one roof.
Why McDonough Still Leads
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A Legacy of Innovation
More than a century of engineering breakthroughs, always focused on performance and durability. -
Crafted for Value
Every component, from Air Strain systems to patented feeding mechanisms, is designed to deliver operational value and reliability. -
Family Driven Excellence
Since 1888, generations of McDonough leadership have maintained the same focus: design smarter, build stronger, serve customers better. -
True North American Reach
Expansion into New Brunswick and the acquisition of BID Canada reflect a strategic commitment to global service with local expertise. -
Complete Manufacturing Control
All work is done in house, from design and fabrication to installation and service, ensuring consistent quality and faster turnaround
How we work
Crafted by Family, Powered by People
McDonough remains a family-owned business at heart. Sue Tietz leads as CEO and brings decades of operational and community commitment. Matt Tietz, Sue’s son and 5th-generation owner, transitioned from working on assembly lines to leading sales and operations. Hugh Hawley, Senior VP and instrumental in developing the Canadian operation, brings forest-industry expertise and engineering leadership to the team. Together, they embody the spirit of innovation, service, and reliability fostered since Frank McDonough’s founding principles.
Our Purpose Moving Forward
McDonough exists to build more than machines, we build confidence in process, pride in craftsmanship, and partnerships that stand the test of time. Rooted in trust and driven by innovation, we continue to design and deliver sawmill equipment that mills rely on and returns on investment they value.
Sue Tietz
Sue started working for her Dad at McDonough in 9th grade! She is active in the company today in her financial and Human Resource roles and is still the “real Boss” at McDonough. Sue finds the time to serve on numerous area boards, is very active in Kiwanis, is an avid reader and enjoys traveling with her husband, Roger. Sue is the 4th generation owner.
Matt Tietz
Matt started working part time at McDonough during college and after graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 1995, he went on to work in the McDonough shop assembling equipment, one of his favorite jobs in the company. In 1997 he started in a Sales role and eventually took over the day-to-day operations of the company. In his personal time he enjoys travel and cycling, as well as golf and downhill skiing. He is the 5th generation owner.
Hugh Hawley
Hugh is a graduate of the Forest Engineering Program at the University of New Brunswick. He started his career in the sawmill industry immediately after graduation as a sawmill supervisor before moving into a role in sawmill machinery manufacturing in late 2005. Hugh later joined McDonough as the GM of their Edger Division where he helped build the edger product line for McDonough, and spearheaded the successful opening of McDonough Canada in Mactaquac, NB in 2017. Hugh lives in Fredericton with his wife Rashmi and two children, Maya and Nikhil.
Ready to Grow Your Business?
Get in touch today to find out how McDonough can help you realize your goals.