About Us

T-Ernst and Associates

Executive Summary

Since 1967, we have combined engineering expertise with real-world performance to help leading manufacturers streamline production and reduce operational costs – supported by full-service design, fabrication, installation, and lifecycle maintenance.

At the core, T. Ernst stands as a leading industrial design company built on long-term partnerships, technical precision, and measurable value. Over the decades, since 1976, we have completed more than 1,500 industrial engineering projects, serving Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders across food, chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors.
As a result, through intelligent design-build integration, meticulous planning, and superior execution, we have delivered over $1 billion in operational savings to our clients.

In addition, as a full-service industrial design company our expertise extends beyond installation—we support every stage of the process, from early-phase engineering and 3D modeling to parts supply, equipment fabrication, on-site construction, and post-commissioning maintenance. Furthermore, T. Ernst operates as a trusted national solutions partner offering complete systems for storage, transfer, heating, cooling, and automation. Above all, we represent an innovative industrial design company committed to responsiveness, quality workmanship, and transforming complex challenges into sustainable results.

Over time, T. Ernst has evolved into a leading industrial design company and national process systems provider.
By combining advanced engineering with hands-on manufacturing insight, we deliver systems that not only meet specifications but redefine performance, reliability, and uptime. Consequently, every project is powered by data-driven design, strict quality control, and precise coordination between our design-build teams, ensuring peak operational efficiency.

Ultimately, our continued success as a trusted industrial design companyis built on craftsmanship, accountability, and a relentless dedication to our clients’ success.

Milestone & History

Innovating solutions that empower businesses.

The future is now—American manufacturing is lagging, but we’re in the midst of an automation revolution. With our expertise, we help companies modernize, improve safety, and thrive in this pivotal era.

1967: The Beginning

Robert (Cadillac Bob) Stoffregen worked for Boris Erectors at the inception of automation processing bulk handling equipment.. Installs first surgar rail unload system for Wrigley chewing gum Chicago, where he joins forces with MPG (Max, Paul, Gus) to begin installing process systems across the midwest.

1986: Fire Milestone

MPG grows with Chicago Industrial Contractors to rapidly secure midwest contracts with Turano & National Baking (Alpha Baking), helping them transitions from bag to bulk truck delivery systems.

1996: Rapid Growth

MPG grows with Chicago Industrial Contractors to rapidly secure midwest contracts with Turano & National Baking (Alpha Baking), helping them transitions from bag to bulk truck delivery systems. Chicago Industrial Contractors becomes wholly owned by Robert Henry & Associates to form the beginings of what would become T. Ernst & Associates.

2006: National Reach

T. Ernst begins full design-build production line installations for Fortune 500 companies across the United States and Mexico. The Stoffregen family continues the legacy of its founders. T. Ernst began tackling major manufacturing challenges—designing and building some of the world’s most efficient, advanced production lines—quickly earning national recognition and growing demand.

2016: New Horizons

T. Ernst has become the trusted partner of Fortune 500 manufacturers nationwide, delivering innovative design-build solutions that drive productivity, efficiency, and automation. In 2008, while many competitors folded during the financial crisis, we stayed strong—restructuring plants and installing process systems for clients like Jelly Belly and UPS to help them power through the downturn.

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