New Space, New Era: J.W. Winco Celebrates 30 Years of Growth


April 24, 2008

NEW BERLIN, WI - When New Berlin industrial distributor J. W. Winco, Inc. observes its 30th anniversary in June 2008, it will do so in a renovated facility nearly doubled from its previous size.

The timing is perfect. The size, efficiency, and attractiveness of the company's 40,000 sq. ft. headquarters mirror the achievements of this family-owned manufacturer and distributor of standard machine components.

With 600% growth in sales in the past 15 years alone, J.W. Winco sold over $11 million in parts last year to customers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Far East. Most are original equipment manufacturers in industries ranging from packaging machinery to medical equipment to construction equipment.

Meanwhile, the company has made first-rate use of technology to increase efficiency, requiring little need to increase staff to accomplish this growth. From state-of-the-art equipment in the machine shop, to the space-saving vertical storage retrieval systems, to the perfectly integrated ERP system, to the company's Web site offering online buying and free CAD downloads, J.W. Winco is technologically savvy.

With the family spirit that has always been a mainstay, the company has channeled its success into creating a comfortable, elegant work environment for its employees. The new and renovated headquarters is far from a typical industrial facility: there is plenty of wood and glass and natural light. Spaciousness and warmth provide a pleasant atmosphere, and associates enjoy amenities such as a game room and cyber café. Throughout its history, the company has endeavored to take care of its employees, offering comprehensive health care and other benefits, and the improved work environment is just another expression of the family spirit of J.W. Winco, which has its roots in the company's origins 30 years ago.

In 1978, John Winkler Sr. and his wife Anne began a packaging machinery business and as a sideline, sold foil and paper bottle labels. Soon their son, John Jr., joined as their purchasing agent. One day, John Jr. made a discovery that changed the face of J.W. Winco, Inc.

"Back in 1982, I was doing sourcing through J.W. Winco, Inc., for different components for the packaging machinery business, and I went in to my father and said, 'If we need these parts, there have to be others who need the parts,'" John Jr. says. "I started the distributorship at my desk."

The Winkler family's commitment to the business increased as J.W. Winco's growth continued. John, Jr. Chief Executive Officer today shares the Office of the President with his two brothers and is mainly in charge of sales and marketing. Mark, who joined the company in 1992, is Chief Financial Officer responsible for finance, operations, purchasing, and personnel. Robert, who came aboard in 1994, added his engineering expertise as Chief Technology Officer, covering engineering, manufacturing, information technology, and the ISO quality program. Together, they handle daily management, deferring to their parents and board, chairman John Sr. and co-chair, Anne, regarding major capital decisions.

"We have evolved from a small business to a growing force in the distribution of thousands of components," John Winkler Jr. said. The company achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification eight years ago. Far more than an industrial distributor, J.W. Winco is a wholesale distributor and manufacturer with exclusive distribution agreements with noteworthy German and Italian components producers, as well as product distribution rights with U.S. and Japanese manufacturers. What began as one man at a desk selling a modest number of parts has grown to a complex operation offering one of North America's largest selection of inch and metric components. J.W. Winco's ever-expanding product line now includes adjustable levers, pull handles and access hardware, handwheels, leveling mounts, hand knobs, indexing plungers, jig and fixture components, oil sight glasses, casters, tube clamping components, workholding devices, tools, fasteners, O-rings, oil seals and much more.

In addition to its extensive line of standard machine parts and assembly components, the company's in-house machining division offers its clientele special-manufactured components and complete secondary machining. When the need arises, J.W. Winco conducts its own research and produces proprietary products for which it has obtained a number of patents.

"We approach R & D and custom manufacturing on a customer- or market-driven basis," John Winkler Jr. noted. "The more common impetus is generally a customer request. From there, we consider whether there is a market for this niche item, and what kind of volume we can anticipate. Other factors include whether we can make it competitively enough, and if it could be sold as a standard part.

"In terms of research, we're always open to new ideas, just as we're always on the lookout for new products. But our core business remains the distribution of a wide range of machine components, and identifying the technology that will get that product in and out the door most efficiently," he emphasized.

J.W. Winco owes much of its success to its focus on meeting customer needs. Its free shipping program, special packaging, labeling, assembly, and technically trained sales associates all help address customers' requirements. Experienced employees accurately handle orders large and small and customized. Most orders are shipped within 24 hours throughout North America.

Inspired by the new facility, which was constructed with "green" materials and ecological sensitivity, J.W. Winco associates look forward to a new era of growth for the company. 2008 will see the addition of approximately 250 new series of components, including some completely new, innovative product lines. This 25% increase in its product offering will involve expansion of the printed catalog and the Web site, extensive training of staff, and new equipment acquisitions.

"Such an ambitious growth plan has its risks, but our history proves the company has a winning formula for success," John Winkler Jr. said. He credits a dedicated and hardworking employee base, a continuously-evaluated product line, exceptional customer service, advanced technology and, most of all, a positive attitude, for the company's growth over the past three decades.

"Regardless of fluctuations in the market, we've never slowed down," he said. "We increased our customer base, expanded our product application niches, enhanced our ability and flexibility to provide a ready-to-assemble finished product, and opened up many new sales channels. Taking a positive attitude to the marketplace paid off for the past 30 years...we expect it will do the same in the next 30!"

Dave Amoroso
Vice President
Ron Sonntag Public Relations
9406 N. 107th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53224
414-354-0200 ext. 108
414-788-4913 cell
414-354-5317 fax
dave@rspr.com

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