About Us

Built on packaging expertise. Driven by practical innovation.

A company shaped by experience Our Story

Klippenstein Corporation’s history is rooted in steady growth, practical learning, and long term involvement in the packaging industry. What began as a small operation supporting local packinghouses evolved over decades through hands on work, manufacturing development, and gradual expansion into automation and robotics. The chapters below reflect that progression, showing how the company grew by responding to real operational needs as the industry changed.

1979 A small operation takes shape

Klippenstein Corporation was founded in January of 1979 by Richard Klippenstein. The company began as a packaging equipment business operated from a home office in Reedley, California, focused on selling packaging supplies and representing packaging machinery manufacturers for local produce and citrus packinghouses.

Early 1980s Rebuilding what already existed

As packinghouse needs evolved, Klippenstein expanded into rebuilding and upgrading existing packaging equipment. Working directly with operating lines gave the company practical experience with real world challenges and helped shape its understanding of how packaging systems performed over time.

1985 - 2000 From service to equipment

In 1985, Klippenstein Corporation began manufacturing its own semi automatic case former. The positive response led to the development of additional case forming and sealing equipment. In 1995, the company relocated to Fresno, California, expanding its operations and adding fully automatic and semi automatic packaging systems. In 2000, Klippenstein developed packaging lines tailored to the nut industry, many of which were adopted by almond packers in California.

2004 - Today Experience carried forward

In 2004, Ken Klippenstein became President of Klippenstein Corporation, with Richard Klippenstein remaining active as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and on the board of directors. The company expanded into robotics in 2007 through Fuji Robotics and in 2016 through Fanuc, supporting palletizing and pick and place applications. Today, Klippenstein Corporation operates with a team of engineers and programming specialists supporting customized packaging systems across multiple industries.

Milestones that shaped us Our Journey

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1979

Company founded by Richard Klippenstein in Reedley, California, operating from a home office and representing packaging equipment manufacturers.

Early 1980s

Expanded services to include rebuilding and upgrading existing packaging equipment for local packinghouses.

Mid 1980s

Began supporting the industry transition to hot melt adhesive systems through equipment representation and service.

1985

Manufactured the first semi automatic case former.

Late 1980s – Early 1990s

Expanded manufacturing to additional case forming and sealing equipment.

1995

Relocated operations to Fresno, California.
Expanded product line to include fully automatic and semi automatic systems.

2000

Developed a packaging line specifically for the nut industry, adopted by almond packers in California.

2004

Ken Klippenstein became President.
Richard Klippenstein continued as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and board member.

2007

Became a distributor for Fuji Robotics.
Completed palletizing projects in the United States and South America.

2016

Became a distributor for Fanuc robotics, supporting pick and place and palletizing applications.

Today

Operates with in house engineering and programming teams supporting customized packaging and automation systems across multiple industries.