Ken Konrad News

At his core Ken Konrad is an innovator and engineer, looking at problems and seeing solutions. Walk around Konrad’s manufacturing and testing facility for even a short time and it is easy to see that Ken Konrad, owner and president, possesses a sharp intellect and an engineer’s mind, as he clearly revels in sharing insight on business and manufacturing practice that goes in each of his company’s rugged stern drive units. While Konrad has quickly established itself as a quality name in the commercial stern drive sector, it is still a newer business line within the company’s overall scope.

Konrad Marine has implemented its unique Total Gear Cutting System, a system which the manufacturer touts as a clear strategic advantage in the manufacture of its reliable sterndrive systems. The framework for the system is the Gleason Phoenix(R) II, 600HC - a modern bevel gear cutting machine. Highly specialized, integrated programming makes it one of only three in the world with its unique capabilities. Augmenting this framework and its programming with Konrad's experience in design, tooling, machining, and proprietary manufacturing processes creates the Total Gear Cutting System.

Hudson, Wis., on the border of Minn., with a population just over 12,000, is home to Konrad Marine, a manufacturer of stern drives for commercial applications such as patrol boats, fishing vessels and water taxis. “We do the design right here in Hudson,” owner and founder Ken Konrad said. “I’m a mechanical engineer myself. Konrad, a local to the area, saw some of the world before returning to his stomping grounds to build his business. “After graduating from high school I went to college for a little while and dropped out.