Charles Abresch Company

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The Charles Abresch Company was a carriage and wagon factory and an automotive, commercial vehicle and body manufacturer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.^[1] Brand names were Abresch and, for trucks, the Abresch-Cramer Auto Truck Company.^[2]

The company was founded in 1871 by Charles Abresch, a German immigrant who initially specialized in building beer wagons.^[3]

In 1884 it was reorganized as a public company.^[4] Charles Abresch continued to lead, Andrew Hofherr, a cigar manufacturer, became Vice President and Harry P. Ellis became CFO and Secretary.^[4] Louis Schneller and H. Paul were active business partners in the company.^[5]

In 1892 Abresch invested US $35,000 in the expansion of the plant. A change of name to Charles Abresch Company, Incorporated took place circa 1893,^[6] but it is unclear whether the entry in the commercial register was made at that time or earlier and was now replenished. By 1894 the company had over 800 employees.^[7]

The company later transitioned to build car and truck bodies, beginning in 1899.^[2][3][8] This business grew quickly as customers switched from horse-drawn wagons to motor vehicles.

In the mid 1960s, the company ended its manufacturing activities after losing its contract with Harley-Davidson, which involved a partnership in which the company manufactured motorcycle sidecars.^[9] After this, the company exclusively performed auto body work.^[9]