Hardy Manufacturing the Backbone of Texas Midwest
Since its launch in Dallas in 1964, EBAA Iron Inc. has led the way in the iron industry, manufacturing quality, cutting-edge joint restraint products for ductile and PVC pipe.
A national company, with three foundries – one in Eastland; another in Albany and a third in Cordele, Ga. – EBAA succeeds in maintaining top quality control by using the latest technology, without depending on overseas locations.
“We understand that consistency is extremely important to our customers,” says Jim Keffer, president of the marketing and sales division, who is also a state representative. “We offer them control quality assurance because we manufacture all of our products at three internal locations and are careful about product development. They know that they can count on us.”
All of EBAA’s restraints are coated with MEGA-BOND™ Restraint Coating System, a polyethylene-based, ultraviolet, coercion inhibitor that improves the performance of the product and adds longevity.
Texas Boilers
Backed by 1,700 collective years of experience in building boilers, it’s no wonder that Rentech is the fastest growing boiler manufacturer in the United States.
Three companies make up the Rentech family in Abilene: Rentech Boiler Systems, Rentech Boiler Services and Frontier Welded Products.
“We are building our reputation, not resting on one,” says Jack Rentz, president. “We are dedicated to serving our customers, helping them get the products that they want and need.”
Primary products and services include heat recovery generators for industrial plants, waste heat boilers, fired packaged water-tube boilers, specialty boilers, SCR and catalytic oxidation systems, and field service work.
Rentech is as pleased with its employees as the customers are with their products.
“Our work force is incredible,” says Rentz. “They come ready, with a very strong work ethic.”
Reflecting on Its Success
The 3M manufacturing facility in Brownwood is responsible for innovative reflective sheeting material for traffic signs, construction zone markings and license plates that make roadway traveling easier in harsh or difficult driving conditions. With over 65 years of experience in retro-reflective sheeting, it’s easy to see why 3M is the leader in creating roadway safety materials.
“We offer top-quality traffic solutions and are responsible for inventing the reflective sheetings of these applications,” says Dean Mill, the Brownwood plant manager. “That’s what truly distinguishes us from other companies in our field.”
3M was launched in 1902 in Two Harbors, Minn. and offers a diverse range of products in the areas of electronics, health care, safety, transportation, office and home. There are between 80 and 100 3M manufacturing facilities worldwide, five of which are located in the United States. The 800,000-square-foot facility in Brownwood started in 1965 and employs 650 people.
The Kohler Brand
When classic design is combined with functional craftsmanship in kitchen and bathroom fixtures, Kohler comes to mind.
Reliability and elegant form have made this 132-year-old company a household name and leader in the plumbing industry. Manufacturing facilities span the globe from Shanghai to Australia, with 11 in North America.
The Kohler manufacturing facility in Brownwood opened in 1975 and continues to serve the company with its production of vitreous china and fiberglass reinforced plastic fixtures. Due to the high demand for the vitreous china fixtures, popular in the plumbing industry because of their permanence and inability to absorb water, the facility underwent an expansion in 1982.
“Strong branding is what distinguishes Kohler from other companies in this industry,” says George Ross, manager of human resources.
