Gerstner to make Presidential Medal of Freedom cases

H. Gerstner & Sons has been selected to manufacture the wooden presentation cases for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, joining a Rhode Island-led supply chain of American manufacturers. The project lands in the same year the Dayton family business marks its 120th anniversary and the United States observes its 250th anniversary.

Why it matters: - The project puts a historic Dayton manufacturer into the presentation of the nation's highest civilian honor. - The work highlights specialized American small-business manufacturing in woodworking, packaging and medal production. - The assignment adds symbolic weight in 2026, when the United States marks its 250th anniversary and H. Gerstner & Sons marks 120 years in business.

What happened: - H. Gerstner & Sons was selected to manufacture the wooden presentation cases for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. - American Chest Company is serving as prime contractor and partnered with H. Gerstner & Sons on the wooden case. - Interpak will produce the interior components of the presentation case. - Ira Green, Inc. will manufacture the Presidential Medal of Freedom itself.

The details: - H. Gerstner & Sons is a family-owned Dayton, Ohio manufacturer known for handcrafted wooden chests and cases. - The company was founded in Dayton in 1906 by Harry Gerstner and moved into its longtime Dayton factory in 1914. - The company says it now combines traditional woodworking skills with modern manufacturing technology while keeping its focus on fit, finish and detail. - The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established in its current form by President John F. Kennedy through Executive Order 11085 on Feb. 22, 1963. - The award recognizes people who have made especially meritorious contributions to U.S. security or national interests, world peace, cultural achievement or other significant public or private endeavors. - The first Presidential Medals of Freedom were presented at the White House by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Dec. 6, 1963. - Recipients have included presidents, military leaders, scientists, business leaders, athletes, artists, musicians, authors, civil rights leaders and philanthropists. - American Chest Company, based in Rhode Island, has previously produced presentation chests for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. - Interpak, headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, specializes in custom presentation packaging. - Ira Green, Inc., based in Providence, Rhode Island, was founded in 1943 as a contract manufacturer of military insignia and now makes military decorations, medals, insignia and related products.

Between the lines: - The partnership reinforces how a single award presentation can rely on multiple niche manufacturers with distinct expertise. - Kim Brown, vice president of H. Gerstner & Sons, said the project reflects generations of family craftsmanship and the idea that important work should be made well. - The assignment also extends Gerstner's long-running identity as a maker of precision storage for machinists, engineers, craftsmen and collectors.

What's next: - H. Gerstner & Sons will produce the presentation cases in Dayton as the project moves forward. - The finished cases will be used to protect and present future Presidential Medals of Freedom. - The company said the project represents a new chapter in its manufacturing history.