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Trundle Consultants, Inc. records

Creation: 1930s-1960s Creation: circa 1982
 Collection
Accession: 2888

Abstract

Trundle Consultants Inc. was a consulting firm that conducted surveys and offered business analysis services to clients. Originally founded as Trundle Engineering Company in 1919, the firm focused on idustrial engineering management consulting. Clients would hire Trundle to perform studies on their organization or operating methods. This small collection primarily consists of a publication called "Trundle Talks," a series of bulletins produced by the company. "Trundle Talks" debuted in 1933. There are 235 issues; this collection contains issues 1 through 220 (issues 221 to 235 are not present). The collection also contains booklets written by Trundle Consultants that were published from 1933 to the 1960s.

Dates

  • Creation: 1930s-1960s
  • Creation: circa 1982

Creator

Extent

1 Linear Foot

Physical Description

7 bound volumes. 220 booklets. 1 photographic print : b&w ; 8 x 10 in. 6 items. 1 index : soft cover bound. 1 report ; 218 pages.

Historical Note

Trundle Consultants Inc. was a consulting firm that conducted surveys and offered business analysis services to clients. Originally founded as Trundle Engineering Company, the firm focused on idustrial engineering management consulting. Clients would hire Trundle to perform studies on their organization or operating methods.

The company was founded in 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio, by engineer, inventor, and business theorist George Thomas Trundle Jr. (1884–1954). Trundle was born in Bakerton, West Virginia, in 1884, the son of George T. Trundle Sr. (1846-1934) and Georgianna Moler Trundle (1852-1929). In 1902, he moved to Cleveland and began his career as an engineer. He worked for the American Multigraph Company, eventually becoming chief engineer before leaving to form his own business.

He was the president of the Trundle Engineering Company until 1953, when his son, Robert C. Trundle (1913-1994) became president. He remained chairman of the board until his death.

Trundle held several patents and wrote articles on business management. He was the recipient of the 1937 Taylor Key award, which is among the highest honors given by the Society for Advancement of Management.

An executive who held several prominent positions at various firms, Donald Richard Meckstroth (1919-2020) became the last owner of Trundle Consultants (1920-1985), with 100 percent ownership. Meckstroth closed Trundle in 1985.

Scope and Contents

This small collection primarily consists of a publication called "Trundle Talks," a series of bulletins produced by the company. "Trundle Talks" debuted in 1933. There are 235 issues; this collection contains issues 1 through 220 (issues 221 to 235 are not present). The collection also includes booklets written by Trundle Consultants that were published from 1933 to the 1960s. Topics include management, sales, pricing, product design, manufacturing, market studies, budgeting, trade, government relations, community relations, labor relations, unions, taxes, and the economy.

Many of the issues published during World War II are related to National Defense, rationing, labor issues, and postwar issues. Several issues published during the Korean War address that conflict.

There are two copies of most issues. Copy two of booklets 31 through 142 are in seven bound volumes.

There is a cumulative index designating the title and subject of each booklet. One part of the index is arranged in chronological order, while the second part is organized alphabetically by title.

Additional materials include an original stock certificate and articles of incorporation, as well as copies of newspaper articles. A history of the company, Donald Richard Meckstroth's portrait, and a report titled "U.S. Hand Glass Industry for Society for Glass Science and Practices" are also included.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.

Language of Materials

English

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title:
Trundle Consultants, Inc. records
Author:
Laurie Sather
Date:
2025
Description rules:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description:
English
Script of description:
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3630
Wilmington Delaware 19807 USA
302-658-2400