Montgomery County Action Council Celebrates Manufacturing Month By Recognizing Local Members
October 2, 2024
Manufacturing is one of the largest industries in Montgomery County, Kansas. It also has a tremendous impact on the state as a whole. According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), manufacturing employs 11.84% of the total Kansas workforce, offering workers an average annual salary of $79,722.51.
“Manufacturing companies in Montgomery County provide opportunities for residents to establish and grow their careers,” says Melissa Johnson, Executive Director of Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC). “These firms also contribute to the local tax base and actively support their communities in multiple ways.”
MCAC loves its manufacturing members, including businesses in Coffeyville, Independence, Caney, and Cherryvale. In honor of National Manufacturing Month in October, get to know some of the top manufacturers in the region. Here are a few MCAC members in Montgomery County.
Acme Foundry
Since 1905, Acme Foundry in Coffeyville, Kansas, has been a leader in American manufacturing. Originally founded as Coffeyville Foundry Company and rebranded in 1914, Acme has expanded from 8,200 square feet to over 300,000 square feet, growing its workforce to more than 300 skilled employees.
Specializing in complex gray iron castings for applications like diesel engines and hydraulic valves, Acme remains dedicated to the prompt service and quality parts established by its founders.
Apache Industries
Apache Industries provides tables and equipment for other manufacturing shops. The local manufacturing industry is stronger with Apache’s presence in Montgomery County. This firm is based in Coffeyville.
Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers, LLC
Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers has a 35-acre facility in Montgomery County. It is the only fertilizer facility in North America that utilizes a petroleum coke to produce nitrogen fertilizer. It is a leader in fertilizer production and constantly develops better products and ways to create them.
John Deere Coffeyville Works, Inc.
John Deere is one of the most recognizable brands in the world and a leader in farm equipment and machinery. Many Montgomery County residents contribute to the development of these products at the John Deere Coffeyville Works, Inc. facility.
John Deere is a great example of how items produced in Montgomery County support American communities well beyond Kansas's borders.
MJD Products
MJD Products is a laser-cutting service in Coffeyville. It is strategically based near the Coffeyville Municipal Airport to support businesses that use the airspace or reside in the industrial park.
Parmac
Parmac has a century of manufacturing history, starting in 1916. The company has called Coffeyville home since 1958 and is one of the leading manufacturers of brake technology in the market.
“As the largest water assist brake manufacturer in the world that has been in business for 107 years, Parmac’s product has a strong and respected reputation in the oil and gas industry,” says Steve Blaich, President of Parmac LLC. “Supplying quality assist brakes brings pride to our employees. Parmac has a high employee retention rate with an average of over 30 years with most working to retirement. This is due to Parmac’s job security, competitive benefits, open communication, and atmosphere while working around the personal lives of the employees.”
Parmac Brake takes great pride in every product that leaves its facility because those brakes can save lives.
SEKTAM - Coffeyville and Independence
SEKTAM stands for SouthEast Kansas Tooling and Manufacturing. This privately owned tool and die company operates out of a 60,000-square-foot facility in Coffeyville, with an 18,000-square-foot facility in Independence.
Coffeyville SEKTAM and SEKTAM of Independence have around 100 skilled manufacturing specialists on staff who work across three shifts in an air-conditioned facility designed to comply with environmental regulations.
Spears® Manufacturing
Based in Caney, Spears Manufacturing highlights how many manufacturing firms are small businesses. This company started as a one-machine shop in 1969 and has grown through its strong reputation over the years. Spears is a plastic fabrication company that specializes in PVC and CPVC pipe fittings.
Standard Motor Products
Standard Motor Products is based in Independence and operates in a 357,000-square-foot facility. This company produces a wide variety of automotive electronics and electromechanical tools, including switches, regulators, and ignition parts. Standard Motor Products has been in business for more than 100 years and trades on the New York Stock Exchange.
ST Engineering Hackney
ST Engineering Hackney was founded in 1946 and is based in Independence. The company specializes in durable, long-lasting transport vehicles, with a focus on beverage trucks and trailers. Hackney has an international footprint across 30 countries to accommodate different refrigeration and transport needs.
Tessenderlo Kerley
Tessenderlo Kerley operates in Coffeyville and has its corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. It has more than 520 employees in 23 states and 13 manufacturing plants. The presence of Tessenderlo Kerley in Montgomery County highlights the value this region provides to national firms. Coffeyville is recognized as a valuable manufacturing spot with a strong talent pool to pull from.
Textron Aviation
Textron Aviation is a national firm with a facility in Independence. It specializes in developing parts for Cessna aircraft, including its line of Citation jets and Caravan turboprops. Textron Aviation is based in Wichita but has expanded to Montgomery County.
Support Local Manufactures By Joining MCAC
The foundation of MCAC is to make Montgomery County, Kansas, a great place to live and work. Our goal is to bring manufacturing companies and other employers to the area to create skilled jobs that turn into careers. We also continue to invest in workforce development so residents can find work while manufacturing firms enjoy a larger talent pool. Both companies and residents benefit from the work of MCAC.
You can have a say in the future of Montgomery County. Become a member today and support our efforts in the region. We can’t wait to work alongside you.
