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If a tornado strikes, survivors have to gather their strength and build again. Although typically not life-threatening like a tornado, the survival strategy is much the same with businesses caught in the whirlwind of economic changes. Struck by the energy crisis in the 70’s, all the major customers being supplied by Stoutco’s Kansas OEM metal fabrication plant either went out of business or relocated operations. True survivors, however, Stoutco turned to container manufacturing, which resulted in a new division called Ameri-Kan. Both businesses are prosperous today.
Dick Stout founded Stoutco in Bristol, IN in 1959 and continues as its chairman. The company had just expanded to Independence, KS in 1973 when the first energy crisis hit. Despite the circumstances, Denny Gill, who had built the Kansas operation, and Charlie Clair, the Kansas facility’s general manager, resolved to make the plant successful by taking the business in a new direction. It was a friend of Charlie’s who suggested container manufacturing. That suggestion is all it took for Denny and Charlie to get out on the street gathering vital research for this prospective new venture.
To learn about the equipment needs in the refuse industry, Denny and Charlie went all over Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri talking to haulers, equipment distributors, and municipalities. They also studied the environmental laws affecting solid waste containment. When no one was available to talk to, this three-month concentrated effort found them in alleys at night with flashlights and cameras. Denny says, “We were looking to find out what was wrong with what was out there so that we could improve upon it.” Charlie, an experienced draftsman, drew prints from the designs he and Denny had created, incorporating feedback from their industry contacts. With the help of master metal craftsman Jim Barnett, a prototype was built.
Determined to start and continue ahead of the pack, extensive testing was done on the first container before it was put on the market. Denny says, “We go far beyond the intended use of our products to ensure they are fit and dependable for the long pull in the field. Only after exhaustive testing will we offer a model to the industry.” That’s how Ameri-Kan grew, one model at a time.
The story behind Ameri-Kan really only begins with its founding in the mid 70’s. Since its inception, the company has continued with the same determination to provide quality products that it was founded on. Today’s Ameri-Kan is comprised of three modern, fully equipped and self-supporting fabrication facilities. The original Independence, KS plant continues to thrive. A manufacturing operation in Warsaw, IN has helped to serve the Eastern market since 1975. Corporate offices and other successful manufacturing facilities are located in Bristol, IN.
No success in business comes without the skills and service of committed employees. Denny says, “We have many long-term dedicated employees at all three locations who are the very backbone of Ameri-Kan.” Good leadership is a part of that successful team. Denny, a 37 year veteran with the company, serves as President of Stoutco, Inc. and its Ameri-Kan division. Terry Hill, a 27 year veteran, serves as Operations Manager of the Warsaw and Independence plants, head of international sales, and advertising. Don Lenhart, Engineering Manager is a 23 year veteran, responsible for engineering. Kevin Johnson is a 25 year veteran, responsible for Production Control and sales at the Independence plant. Long-term is a way of life at Ameri-kan. It applies to many company employees, customers, distributors, vendors and industry friends as well. Denny says, “We treasure these relationships and treat them carefully.”
Ameri-Kan offers a complete line of quality rear, front, and side-loading containers manufactured with customer needs and safety in mind. The design features are numerous. The Ameri-Kan gray plastic lid, for example, is known as the finest in the industry for durability, fit and finish. Tapered bodies are practical for economical shipping, storage, and ease of dumping wedged or frozen loads. Wrapped corners (no butt welds), interlocked top channels, ribbed bump pads and extra strong caster pads are just a few of the standard features which make the containers distinct. Denny says the fit and finish on an Ameri-Kan container almost guarantee customer satisfaction.
From a safety perspective, Ameri-Kan goes beyond the call again. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Committee of EIA/WASTEC is responsible for approving all industry safety and compatibility standards, as well as recommended practices. Denny has a voting seat on this full committee. He also serves as Chairman of the ANSI container Subcommittee, and is a member of the Mobile Equipment Subcommittee. Ameri-Kan team members work with truck body manufacturers and container builders, putting Ameri-Kan on the leading edge of safe products and practices.
Ameri-Kan was built on customer input, and, the company continues to solicit feedback. In response to customer needs, Ameri-Kan’s practice is to stock 2 to 4 thousand containers and about 5 million pounds of steel ready for production. Denny says, “It doesn’t matter if they want one or several truck loads, customers are going to get taken care of.” Ameri-Kan has a fleet of seven Class 8 semi tractors with special drop deck trailers equipped with on board cranes for self-unloading the containers. Owning the fleet provides control over deliveries. Distributors also stock containers for immediate customer needs; or, they can have Ameri-Kan trucks drop ship part of full load orders directly to the customer.
So, surviving the initial storm was just the beginning. Longevity in business takes a special kind of motivation and enthusiasm. It helps that the professionals at Ameri-Kan truly enjoy what they do. Looking ahead, Denny says, “Constant and continuous improvement in everything we do and everything we manufacture is our plan for the future!”
