VZMS History
A legacy built on trust, hard work, and the determination to find value where others see none.
Humble Beginnings
Vander Ziel Machinery Sales Inc. was officially founded in 1996 by Steve and Joan Vander Ziel, but the roots of the business began long before that. Prior to starting the company, Steve farmed alongside his parents. While he appreciated the hard work and values farming instilled, he quickly realized he did not enjoy the early mornings of milking cows or the weather-related uncertainty that often came with cash crop farming.
Steve attended school for welding work and developed a strong appreciation for the manufacturing industry, though he never felt fully at home in a traditional shop environment. What truly drove him was finding opportunities where others saw none. That entrepreneurial mindset led to the purchase of a small business machine shop. Steve kept a few pieces for the farm shop and sold the rest — unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become Vander Ziel Machinery.
For many years, Steve and Joan operated the business out of various farm buildings. Customers were often surprised when they were given directions to a farm to inspect machinery, but those humble beginnings gave the company the space it needed to grow. Steve had a talent for finding value in overlooked equipment and creating opportunities for customers who, like him, were building businesses of their own.
The turning point (2004)
The run-down property negotiated and purchased for our future home.
Establishing a Permanent Home
By 2004, Vander Ziel Machinery had expanded into five separate buildings across three different locations. The arrangement created challenges — there were no overhead cranes, and Michigan’s spring road weight restrictions on Class B roads often slowed operations. Many vendors dismissed the small operation, but Steve knew the company needed a permanent home to better serve its customers and continue growing.
True to form, Steve found potential in a property others overlooked: a piece of land with a run-down house sitting on it. He negotiated the purchase and immediately began planning the future home of Vander Ziel Machinery.
Construction on the current facility at 6325 Alden Nash began in 2005. Although he had never managed a project of that scale, Steve served as the general contractor, overseeing every detail of the build. He worked countless hours on-site himself, coordinating contractors and ensuring the building reflected the vision he had for the company’s future.
When the doors officially opened in 2006, the new facility marked a major milestone for the business. Features like high-bay lighting, overhead cranes, powered overhead doors, conference space, and expanded warehouse capacity allowed Vander Ziel Machinery to operate more efficiently and better serve customers. The added space also enabled the company to expand into new equipment offerings, including new machinery lines, helping establish greater credibility throughout the industry.
Growth, Loss & Carrying the Legacy
By 2016, the warehouse was once again full. To meet growing demand, the company expanded the facility with the addition out the back of the building and “Bay 3,” significantly increasing storage and lifting capacity. This growth allowed Vander Ziel Machinery to handle larger equipment and continue expanding its inventory and services.
In 2023, the company faced its greatest challenge when founder Steve Vander Ziel unexpectedly passed away. Steve was not only the founder of the business, but also a husband, father, mentor, and friend whose leadership and vision shaped the company in every way. His loss was deeply felt by family, employees, customers, and vendors alike.
While the road forward has not always been easy, the Vander Ziel family remains grounded in their faith and the belief that God has a purpose through every season of life. Steve’s presence is missed daily, but his values continue to guide the company. The desire to serve customers honestly, fairly, and reliably remains at the heart of everything Vander Ziel Machinery does today.
Over the years, the company has also recognized that many businesses share similar stories of hardship, perseverance, and growth. That understanding has created lasting relationships with customers across the manufacturing industry — customers whose success stories Vander Ziel Machinery is proud to play a small part in.
Continuing forward
Our expanded facility & team carrying Steve's values daily.
VZ Rents & Machinery Sales
Serving customers with flexible equipment rental & purchasing options.
Today & Moving Heavy Equipment
In 2026, the company identified another growing need within the industry. Many customers frequently needed to move heavy equipment but could not justify the expense of purchasing additional forklifts. In response, Vander Ziel Machinery launched VZ Rents, a forklift rental division designed to provide flexible, reliable equipment solutions to customers throughout the region.
Today, Vander Ziel Machinery remains a family-owned and operated business proudly carrying forward Steve’s legacy. Operating from a 64,000-square-foot facility in Michigan, the company stocks over 1,000 machines ready for shipment throughout North America.
Our inventory includes a wide range of used fabricating and metalworking equipment — from welders and saws to CNC machining centers and fabrication systems — all carefully inspected and tested before leaving our facility. We also represent trusted new equipment brands including Marvel, DoAll, Baileigh, Clausing, Bridgeport, Piranha, and Kingston.
At Vander Ziel Machinery, every machine is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If a customer is not fully satisfied, they can return the machine — no questions asked.
Whether helping a customer purchase their first press brake or assisting with a complete shop upgrade, we remain committed to providing the right equipment, at the right price, from people you can trust.