Who We Are and What We Do
American-owned zipper manufacturing since 1946. Custom cut-to-length and continuous chain for industrial and OEM customers, made in the USA.
Lenzip Manufacturing is an American-owned zipper manufacturer serving industrial and OEM customers across marine, fire and safety, RV and automotive, outdoor, soft goods, healthcare, furniture, and related markets.
Our story starts with Leonard Distributing Company in December 1946. The company became Lenzip Manufacturing Corporation in 1960 and grew into a dedicated zipper manufacturer (metal, coil, and molded plastic) with in-house toolmaking and engineering.
We supply coil, molded, metal, fire-resistant, water-resistant, continuous chain, and custom assemblies. Our Nomex® FR zippers are UL certified.
Historical Highlights
From the company timeline.
- Dec 1946 Leonard Distributing Company was founded.
- Apr 1960 Company name changed to Lenzip Manufacturing Corporation.
- Aug 1967 Relocated into larger facilities and began to manufacture metal zipper chain.
- Feb 1971 Began manufacture of coil zippers.
- Sep 1974 Production of injected plastic molded zippers began.
- Jul 1977 Fire completely destroyed the Lenzip factory. Every machine was lost; only the tool room and offices survived.
- Aug 1977 Relocated and increased production space by 25%.
- Dec 1979 Full production capabilities attained, 2½ years after the fire.
- Aug 1989 Leonard J. Lichtenstein, 68, founder of Lenzip, passes away. Second-generation family members continue operations.
- Feb 1990 Significant investment in new state-of-the-art technology begins, including Swiss-made injection molding machines.
- Dec 1996 Lenzip celebrates a half-century of supplying and producing high-quality zippers.
- Aug 1998 Additional factory space is added, nearly doubling production capabilities.
- 1999-2002 Over 25 new machines are designed, engineered, and built by Lenzip toolmakers and electrical engineers. Dozens of smaller pieces of equipment purchased.
- Apr 2003 Lenzip receives Certificate of Compliance from Underwriters Laboratories for Nomex® fire-retardant zippers. Our Nomex® FR zippers are UL certified.
- Mar 2005 Lenzip purchases a new industrial building and begins build-out for factory and offices, doubling production capabilities for continued growth.
- Jan 2006 RainDefyer® #10 water-resistant coil zipper is introduced for marine and outdoor use. The RAINDEFYER mark is registered with the USPTO.
- May 2010 America's Seaworthy Zippers® is registered with the USPTO for Lenzip's custom zipper manufacturing.
- 2007 Opens headquarters and plant at 3000 Tollview Drive in Rolling Meadows, IL, with new production areas, offices, and a quality assurance lab.
- Jun 2017 Releases the No. 12 Marine Grade UV Zipper, a mid-size gauge between No. 10 and BIG ZIP® No. 15, with Delrin® UV teeth and optional 316 stainless sliders for marine canvas and outdoor gear.
- 2021 Lenzip turns 75 years since its December 1946 founding.
- 2026 Moved manufacturing and headquarters to 802 E Short St, Columbia City, IN.
How We Operate
What OEM buyers can expect when they work with us.
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Custom to Spec
We build to your drawings, materials, and performance requirements. Not one-size-fits-all catalog only.
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Low Minimums
Low minimums on many programs; MOQ confirmed on quote.
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Lead Times
Fast lead times. We keep production and communication clear so you know where things stand.
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Engineering Support
Help specifying the right zipper family, construction, and finish for your application.
Trademarks
Live U.S. registered marks owned by Lenzip Mfg. Corp.
- LENZIP®
- Manufacturers of Lenzip Zippers Since 1946®
- RainDefyer®
- America's Seaworthy Zippers®
- BIG ZIP®
Nomex® and Delrin® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Talk With Lenzip
Questions about a zipper program, a sample, or a quote? Reach the plant team directly.