Rio Grande (company)
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Jewelry-making tools and supplies |
| Founded | 1944 |
| Founder | Saul Bell |
| Headquarters | Albuquerque , United States |
Key people | Arien Gessner (CEO) |
| Products | Jewelry-making tools, equipment, silver findings, fabrication materials, metalsmithing tools, jewelry presentation displays, packaging solutions, workbenches, casting equipment, kilns, soldering torches, gemstones, diamonds, bead stringing supplies, enamels, resins, metal clays (COPPRclay, BRONZclay, PMC) |
| Owner | Berkshire Hathaway |
Rio Grande is a company specializing in jewelry-making tools, equipment, and supplies, headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established in 1944 by jeweler Saul Bell, the organization is presently managed by CEO Arien Gessner.
In 2013, Berkshire Hathaway acquired Rio Grande. The company focuses on silver findings and fabrication materials while providing an extensive selection of products such as metalsmithing tools, jewelry presentation displays, packaging solutions, workbenches, casting equipment, kilns, soldering torches, gemstones, diamonds, and bead stringing supplies. Additionally, Rio Grande supports artisans working with enamels, resins, and metal clays including COPPRclay, BRONZclay, and Precious Metal Clays (PMC). The business releases at least two product catalogs yearly: Gems & Findings and Tools & Equipment.
The manufacturing plant produces sterling silver and other precious metal components—like chains, jump rings, and clasps—through both casting and fabrication techniques. Since 2010, this facility has been powered entirely by solar energy generated from nearly five acres of photovoltaic panels, which was the largest solar array in New Mexico at that time and is expected to generate approximately 1.6 million kilowatt hours annually. Rio Grande also provides jewelry-making workshops and classes tailored for both professional jewelers and enthusiasts.
The company employs a management philosophy based on 15 fundamental principles combined with participative leadership. This approach promotes employee engagement through small functional teams that tackle various business challenges. Their management system incorporates elements inspired by Japanese quality circles and Toyota’s Lean Manufacturing methodologies to improve operational performance.
References
- Gomelsky, Victoria (2011). Culture Club, JCK Magazine, June 2011.
- Heebner, Jennifer (2002). Meet Rio Grande, JCK Magazine, June 2002.