The Story of Repubic

The Story of Republic Sales & Manufacturing

In today's "dot-com, here today gone tomorrow" world the concept of a fifty-year-old family business may seem a bit outdated, but successful family operations are proving otherwise. Moving swiftly to embrace new technology, advance product offerings and adapt to changing market conditions, family-owned manufacturing firms are finding that the next generation is just as dedicated and innovative at ever.

Republic Sales and Manufacturing Company, a fourth generation family company whose origins go back to 1950, believes the secret to surviving is threefold: aggressive strategic planning, strong core-values and careful attention to customer needs.

Incorporated as Southwestern Sheet Metal, the company quickly grew to one of the largest metal fabricators in North Texas by intentionally adapting to changing market conditions. The company became the in-plant contractor for General Motors, Proctor & Gamble, and other large industrial operations. To better reflect the new direction it was taking, the company changed its name to Republic Sales and Manufacturing in 1962, repositioning the products and services offered to take advantage of market demand.

In 1991, with the new generation of family members leading the operation, Republic took on the distribution of air equipment and the building of package systems that could incorporate various industrial functions simultaneously. The careful strategic planning that had become so vital to the organization paid off when sales began to soar.

After a number of years of extensive repairs and distribution of all types of air equipment, Republic discovered a mechanical design for centrifugal blowers and air knife drying systems that offered distinct advantages over existing systems within the industry. True to its core-values, Republic listened to customer need and began manufacturing the new blower system.

With ownership that includes education in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, operations management, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior, the new generation of family management bring a whole new level of expertise in engineering, design, plant maintenance, and industrial distribution.

Far from becoming extinct, family businesses are thriving in today's economy. "We have so much more to offer–the strength and stability of 50 years experience combined with the fresh ideas and innovative technology younger family members bring," said President Zach Goff.

Undaunted by market attention that focuses on the latest high-tech firm, family-owned businesses like Republic prove that the future looks promising for traditional enterprises willing to embrace the next generation while drawing on the core values that made the company successful in the first place.

TOP