Member Spotlight-Autoquip

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:55:45 GMT

Autoquip: Lifting Innovation to New Heights

Founded in 1947, Autoquip has been a cornerstone of Oklahoma's manufacturing landscape for over seven decades. Since relocating to Guthrie in 1974, the company has established itself as a leader in custom material handling solutions, continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of industries across the globe.

A Legacy of Loyalty and Innovation

At the core of Autoquip's success stands a devoted workforce. The company's culture exemplifies an unwavering commitment to employees, as evidenced by numerous staff members retiring after 40-45 years of service, and one individual marking an impressive 50-year milestone with the organization. CEO Chris Kuehni describes the culture as "dynamic" and a "work in progress," skillfully balancing the dedication of long-term employees with the ambition of newer team members.

Chris Kuenhi, President & GM, Autoquip

Expanding Horizons

Autoquip's growth strategy is two-pronged, focusing on both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. The company has a rich history of acquisitions which have allowed Autoquip to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its position in the material handling industry.

Automation: The Future of Material Handling

As industries increasingly turn to automation, Autoquip has positioned itself at the forefront of this trend. The company's 2016 acquisition of an automation house has proven prescient, establishing Autoquip as a leader in automated material handling solutions. With one of the best control panel shops in the industry and state-of-the-art wire termination machines, Autoquip is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for automation in manufacturing and logistics.

Riding the Wave of Reshoring

Autoquip is benefiting from the current trend of onshoring and reshoring, as companies return their operations to the United States. This shift has brought back old customers and introduced new opportunities, particularly in the aviation and defense sectors. As businesses seek to establish state-of-the-art facilities with seamless product movement, Autoquip's expertise in automation and material handling positions them as a valuable partner.

Global Expansion and Future-Focused Strategy

The recent acquisition of J.A. Becker & Söhne of Erlenbach, Germany marks Autoquip's entry into the European light rail and city bus transit market. The company specializes in the highly engineered and heavy-duty lifting technology for OEM production and MRO platforms for commercial vehicles, military & defense, rail cars and light transit, as well as medium and high-pressure industrial air compressors specially tailored for nitrogen, helium, and natural gas applications.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

Autoquip is committed to supporting its community, particularly focusing on programs that benefit disadvantaged youth. From sponsoring fishing, hunting and camping programs to donating to local schools, Autoquip strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people in Oklahoma. In addition, Autoquip has partnered with Meridian Technology Center as a source for skilled labor and supporting their trade school programs.

A Unique Consumer Offering

In addition to its industrial solutions, Autoquip has carved out a niche in the high-end residential market with its home vehicle lifts. Specializing in below-ground storage systems, these custom installations can take up to five years from order to delivery, catering to elite homeowners around the world. As Autoquip continues to evolve and expand, it remains true to its roots as an Oklahoma-based manufacturer while embracing global opportunities. With a focus on automation, custom solutions, and strategic growth, Autoquip is well-positioned to continue its legacy of innovation in the material handling industry for years to come.

Autoquip is located at 1058 W Industrial Rd, Guthrie, OK 73044

For inquires, please contact Autoquip at 877-360-6777

Member Spotlight - Reid Cabinetry

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 03:16:55 GMT

Learn how this Central Oklahoma manufacturer combines engineering principles with creative cabinetry to streamline your daily life.

In the heart of Central Oklahoma, where craftsmanship meets innovation, lies Reid Cabinetry—a gem within the manufacturing landscape, known for transforming chaotic spaces into realms of order and efficiency. This family-owned business, steered by the visionary minds of Steve and Teri Prentice, stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity, offering bespoke cabinetry, closets, and countertops that don't just occupy spaces but redefine them.

The journey of Reid Cabinetry is proof to the power of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Prentices, with backgrounds as diverse as engineering and home education, have harnessed their unique skills to create a company culture that's as much about producing high-quality cabinetry as it is about empowering people—be it their employees, customers, or the broader community.

At the core of Reid Cabinetry's philosophy lies a commitment to "lean manufacturing"—a principle that champions efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement. Steve, with a light chuckle, shares, "You know, engineers are lazy folks looking for an easy way to do things. That's us trying to make everyone's life a bit easier." This ethos is palpable in every process and product that comes out of their workshop, where every cabinet, closet, and countertop is a marvel of precision and practicality, designed to bring order to the chaos of everyday life.

Beyond their manufacturing prowess, the Prentices dream big. Their showroom, equipped with a live kitchen, is a space where creativity and community converge. Here, they can host cooking shows, inviting chefs to demonstrate the synergy between great food and thoughtfully designed spaces. Teri, with a warm smile, recounts, "It's all about adding value, giving back, and bringing people together. Our kitchen doesn't just feed the stomach; it nourishes the soul."

But what truly sets Reid Cabinetry apart is their commitment to their people—both within and outside their factory walls. "We believe in adding value to every life we touch," says Teri. This belief is mirrored in how they approach each project, seeking to reduce friction not just in their cabinets but in the lives of their customers, making daily routines more manageable and enjoyable.

In Reid Cabinetry's world, a cabinet is not just a cabinet. It's a validation to the beauty of order, the efficiency of design, and the joy of living in spaces that reflect the care and thoughtfulness with which they were made. As Steve aptly puts it, "We're not just organizing homes; we're crafting sanctuaries where people can live their best lives."

Reid Cabinetry’s narrative is more than just a business success story. It’s a heartening reminder of the impact thoughtful craftsmanship and a community-oriented approach can have on our daily lives. In their quest to calm the chaos, Steve, Teri, and their team are not just making cabinets; they're helping to build a world where every moment at home is a moment cherished.

Reid Cabinetry joined COMA in 2023 and is located at 212 N. Ann Arbor Avenue in Oklahoma City.

For inquires, please contact Steve Prentice at 405-606-7006.

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