Kendeco Customer Spotlight

Sartell Valves, Inc. (SVI), manufacturer of DeZURIK municipal valves, has acquired the remainder of the DeZURIK valve product line and business from SPX Corporation. SVI will continue to operate the combined company from its Sartell, MN headquarters, the site on which the original DeZURIK Company was founded in the late 1920’s. Through a series of ownership changes, the brand was ultimately split between SVI and SPX along product lines; this acquisition serves to reunite the DeZURIK product family. SVI intends to operate the combined business under the company and brand name DeZURIK. SVI designs, manufactures and distributes engineered valves and controls for water, wastewater and other industries. The valves range from ½ inch to 120 inches in size. Products include all DeZURIK branded knife gate, rubber seated and high performance butterfly, V-ball, rotary control, precision electric control and globe control valves, consistency transmitters, and diaphragm and PowerRac actuators.

With an intense market focus and continual investment in product line expansion, SVI has established itself and the DeZURIK brand as the leader in the water and wastewater treatment markets. With its acquisition of the DeZURIK industrial product line, which serves the energy, process and commercial markets, SVI will reunite the broad based DeZURIK business scope that evolved as a leader in valve technology, supply and customer service.

According to Larry Korf, President and CEO of SVI, “This acquisition provides the company with a complete product line and a strong U.S. and worldwide market position, and we are excited to once again join these businesses together. We are looking forward to capitalizing on the strengths of our experienced and talented organization, and to providing a complete valve technology solution to the market”

With the acquisition comes change and it’s very positive change for the community. SVI’s strong foundation and presence in the marketplace will create 50 new jobs at the Sartell plant. They plan to add these full time positions throughout 2009. SVI currently has approximately 285 employees at the Sartell plant.

Sharing SVI’s philosophy of “continual improvement,” Kendeco is proud to be a partner of SVI by offering solutions in inventory management throughout their plant to meet the specific needs and objectives of the company. With the help of the Kendeco team and manufacturer partners, SVI is able to qualify and implement leading edge cutting tool technology and execute technical innovations.

In today’s marketplace, a lean manufacturing environment is crucial. For SVI, attaining that goal included implementing an inventory management system with Kendeco’s assistance and working together to document cost savings in their manufacturing processes. By having one central crib and ten vending machines strategically located throughout the plant, they have decreased their ordering costs and reduced inventory levels, while realizing increased operator productivity and improved process control. SVI is always analyzing the use of their building capacity, product designs, product sources and competitiveness in the marketplace. Sharing a common business model of increased efficiencies and commitment to excellence, SVI and Kendeco are seeing Progress through Partnership.

Bob Usselman Named Kendeco's 2008 Vendor of the Year

Kendeco proudly presented Bob Usselman with 3M the 4th Annual Vendor of the Year award. Bob has been with 3M for almost three years as an Abrasive Specialist. Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with Bob knows what a tremendous asset he is to 3M, Kendeco and manufacturers. Bob's philosophy is to test, test, test, collect data and document to offer suggestions for process improvements. Bob says, "There is no typical day. Sales is very reactive to customer needs on any given day." As for working with Kendeco, he says, "I appreciate the team approach to things. Kendeco is the most technical group of distributor representatives to work with. We can work arm and arm to bring things to the table at a customer site."

3M is Bob's 4th career path. He has spent time as a sports writer, high school English teacher and collegiate soccer coach. Bob, originally from Connecticut, now resides in Woodbury with his wife, Leah, their daughters Olivia (2 years old) and Summit (1 year old), and two lab dogs, Munson and Marley. Congratulations Bob and thanks for the support!