Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Keith McCord and a Utah County businessman standing together at the top of a ladder? What's that all about? This is the story about a Springville company that is bucking a trend in this country. The founder could have closed shop and gone to Asia to make his products cheaper, but after three-decades, he's staying put.
If there was ever a person who illustrates the American way, using hard work and never-ending enthusiasm, you probably should meet Hal Wing. He's the founder of Wing Enterprizes in Springville, Utah.
Hal's company designs and manufactures ladders--thousands and thousands of them. Called the "Little Giant Ladder”, it'll bend and extend into just about any shape and position you need.
Hal Wing created the thing 30-years ago in his garage. Now he has 240 employees and more than 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Hal Wing: "We're going through an awful lot of aluminum. We're going through as much aluminum per day now, as we used to do in a month."
It's a 24/7 operation right now with more expansion plans in the works.
In the manufacturing world, many American companies have taken their work overseas to save money on labor and materials. Hal Wing seriously considered it, but felt it was important to stay loyal to his long-time employees.
So they brainstormed ways to become more productive. To increase sales they started running infomercials around the country. Business is booming. Good for Utah County, good for the country, says Hal Wing.
Hal Wing: "If we keep sending our jobs off-shore, and our economy is trying to grow, if our people don't have a job, who are we going to sell our products to?"
There are several models of the Little Giant ladder and Hal is glad to demo them all. Keeping a step ahead of the competition, Hal says there are several new products in the "wings".
By the way, Hal's hiring. He bought a new building and is bringing in more equipment to stay ahead of the demand.
