History

Nexen Group, Inc. traces its origins to 1902 when a manufacturing firm called Horton was founded. In 1951, Hugh Schilling, Sr. and three investors purchased Horton and its assets. During that time, the company focused on manufacturing industrial pneumatic clutches and brakes.

Over the years, Horton Manufacturing evolved into two distinct product lines - industrial products (power transmission, motion control and web control systems) and diesel vehicle components. In January 1999, Horton split into two separate companies. Hugh (Hutch) K. Schilling, Jr. acquired the industrial products business and renamed it Nexen Group, Inc., in June 1999.

Long recognized around the world as the industry leader in pneumatic clutch and brake technology, Nexen Group, Inc., has continued to develop and evolve its product line while remaining true to its roots. The newest star in the Linear Motion Control product line is the Roller Pinion System serving such industries as aerospace, machine tool and solar energy. With a commitment to solving customer applications through innovative products and solutions, Nexen remains the favorite of OEM’s and end users alike all over the world.

Solving customer applications begins with Nexen’s world-class technical team approach: sales team members who are consultative and an in-house customer service group whose collective years in the industry are unequaled, combined with cutting edge engineers who welcome every challenge and a goal-focused, zero tolerance production team that embodies the hard work ethic of its Midwest roots.

Always visionary, Nexen invests in its facility, its people and its community. It’s a stewardship that comes full circle. Investments in new equipment in Nexen’s state-of-the-art production facility in Webster, Wisconsin; continuing education of its employees, granting scholarships to Nexen families, community outreach with United Way programs and a committed focus on leaving a legacy with LEED and Green initiatives.

Nexen Group, Inc., remains a privately-held, family-owned company with global headquarters in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, a part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, with sales offices in Europe, Japan and Australia offering distribution worldwide.

Nexen Headquarters Nexen Headquarters