MARENGO – As the name Brunkalla became more reputable among musicians serious about their stringed instruments, the company’s namesake was asked why he wasn’t expanding his operation.

Considering Martin Brunkalla worked as director of engineering for an automation company before starting Brunkalla Music 12 years ago, it wouldn’t have been overly difficult to figure out how to produce his product on a grander scale.

But it would have meant stepping away from the hand-crafted approach that made him popular in the first place.