Winter 2020
40 and counting
This month marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of Oakley Industries. We’ve been very fortunate as many competitors have come and gone during that time period, including a few pretty large companies that were already operating before us.
For those of you who don’t know, my father worked at the GM Tech Center beginning in 1956 and over time began to work at night in some of the area shops. Eventually, in February 1980, my Dad broke away and began Oakley Industries, starting in the corner of a shop over in the Fraser Industrial Subdivision.
In 1981, he purchased the building, which is now our plant 2, and over the years we added on to that building, purchased plant 1, and added on to that building. Later we bought the land and built the front of plant 3 and soon added on to that. In the last ten years or so we’ve purchased plant 4, added on to it, and purchased plant 5.
During his time, he was never afraid to embrace new technologies, like laser cutting and NC milling. I’d like to think we’ve carried on that mindset as we expand our robotic and programming capabilities.
I’ve been around since 1982, and I have to say it’s been quite a ride.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to a company’s success and longevity. Perhaps the most important are the employees. We’ve been blessed with a great team over the years, and although the names and faces have changed over time, many have been with us 10, 15, 20, or over 25 years. This continuity is a key to our ability to grow and continuously face new challenges.
We also have a great roster of customers. While most are in the automotive industry, we’ve been able to use the same approach to attract other customers as well. We work for many vehicle manufacturers, as well as their suppliers. For the most part, we’ve encountered some great people over the years and have been able to learn a few things along the way. Naturally, we could not succeed without fair, good customers.
Finally, I’d like to recognize our suppliers and professional partners. Many of them jump through hoops when asked and I feel we have developed some lasting relationships with them.
When times weren’t so good in the late 2000’s many of them stuck with us, and I’d like to think that since then, we’ve made it worth their while.
We are all be excited for what the next 40 years may bring. In the early 1980’s, there were no cell phones, emails, lasers, mills, robotic welders, and very little CAD.
Today’s world was unimaginable. We’re ready for whatever’s next!
-Michael Oakley
President
For those of you who don’t know, my father worked at the GM Tech Center beginning in 1956 and over time began to work at night in some of the area shops. Eventually, in February 1980, my Dad broke away and began Oakley Industries, starting in the corner of a shop over in the Fraser Industrial Subdivision.
In 1981, he purchased the building, which is now our plant 2, and over the years we added on to that building, purchased plant 1, and added on to that building. Later we bought the land and built the front of plant 3 and soon added on to that. In the last ten years or so we’ve purchased plant 4, added on to it, and purchased plant 5.
During his time, he was never afraid to embrace new technologies, like laser cutting and NC milling. I’d like to think we’ve carried on that mindset as we expand our robotic and programming capabilities.
I’ve been around since 1982, and I have to say it’s been quite a ride.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to a company’s success and longevity. Perhaps the most important are the employees. We’ve been blessed with a great team over the years, and although the names and faces have changed over time, many have been with us 10, 15, 20, or over 25 years. This continuity is a key to our ability to grow and continuously face new challenges.
We also have a great roster of customers. While most are in the automotive industry, we’ve been able to use the same approach to attract other customers as well. We work for many vehicle manufacturers, as well as their suppliers. For the most part, we’ve encountered some great people over the years and have been able to learn a few things along the way. Naturally, we could not succeed without fair, good customers.
Finally, I’d like to recognize our suppliers and professional partners. Many of them jump through hoops when asked and I feel we have developed some lasting relationships with them.
When times weren’t so good in the late 2000’s many of them stuck with us, and I’d like to think that since then, we’ve made it worth their while.
We are all be excited for what the next 40 years may bring. In the early 1980’s, there were no cell phones, emails, lasers, mills, robotic welders, and very little CAD.
Today’s world was unimaginable. We’re ready for whatever’s next!
-Michael Oakley
President