12/14/2010
HEADLINES
U.S. Fastener Manufacturer Beats Imports with Technology

After sales dropped 30% in 2009, Kelko Products Co. expanded its custom-turned parts business and rebuilt its website to target new business, the Morning Journal reports.

The retooling seems to be working. Kelko anticipates recovering in 2010 about two-thirds of the business it lost to the recession.

“The American fastener industry as a whole has suffered because of imported products,” stated Kelko president Matt Koch. “But you can’t order eight pieces from a company in China, India or Brazil and have them shipped in 24 hours.” 

Kelko has capitalized on this by specializing in short runs and specials. “No order quantity is too small,” the company states on its website. “We stock a comprehensive range of materials and sizes of bar stock. In most cases, we have your special material in stock and ready to move to production minutes after you place your order.”

A Midwestern address helps as well. Shipped from their facility in Sandusky, OH, Kelko’s products are centrally warehoused, reducing transportation time and costs.
 

The company is also “minutes away from our heat treat, plating, black oxide, patching and testing suppliers.” 
 

Kelko is has been owned and operated by the Koch family since 1921. The company is run by brothers Matt Koch, Brian Koch and Mark Koch.
 

Kelko’s customers include suppliers to Caterpillar, John Deere and Komatsu.  ©2010 GlobalFastenerNews.com

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Related Links:

• KelKo