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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
We've all heard the expression, "You can't judge a book by its cover." Well, you also can't tell much about a company by its outward appearance. When I first pulled up in front of Genco Mine Service in Huntington, I never imagined this small, manufacturing facility on the outskirts of town would have such a fascinating business story.
Glenn Sebring told me a story of business creativity, perseverance and niche marketing. Glenn and his partner, Leon DeFriez, knew there was a need for specially equipped motor vehicles that would operate in a sundry of mine environments.
They located a manufacturer in China and added underground mine transportation vehicles to their existing company base. This manufacturer makes small trucks for the Chinese military and also ships its trucks to Genco by ocean to either Los Angeles or Oakland. The trucks are then put on a rail car and transported to Salt Lake City. Finally, semi-trucks bring the manufactured trucks to the shop in Huntington where Genco equips them with mine-certified German or Japanese diesel engines, completes any other body modifications and ships them off to mines throughout the United States and Canada.
Because every mine is different, the truck bodies must be adapted to whatever specifications a mine owner requests. Genco can supply two or four-door vehicles. Even elongated trucks capable of carrying eight miners can be provided. The truck height can be lowered for mines where there is little headroom, and pickup beds can be shortened or lengthened. Hinges are installed, allowing all three sides of the bed to function like a tailgate, improving the ability to load or unload parts or personnel.
It was fascinating to see this shop and the modifications of the stripped-down truck bodies. Glenn and Leon, both veterans of the local mining industry, recognized the need for a durable, underground transportation system for the mining industry. That awareness and business expertise have resulted in a great company — Genco Mine Service.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
