|
|
|
in this issue SBDC News & Information Centers Respond to Growing Concerns about Economic Conditions Bright Ideas: Energy-Saving Upgrades Pay Off for University of Scranton SBDC Client If the Weak Dollar is Hurting You, Exporting May Be the Answer Consultant Profile: Todd Dolbin Penn State SBDC Workshop Examines Business Opportunities in a Challenging Economy Small Business Institute Positions Northeastern PA Business Owners for Success Capitol Views: Congressman Jason Altmire Veteran Builds Rock-Solid Business with Wilkes University SBDC Help University of Pittsburgh SBDC Bolsters Region's Growing Tech Community Educational Programs |
Full Steam Ahead: Brookville Equipment Celebrates Long-Term Success
In February 2008, Brookville Equipment Corporation (BEC) proudly celebrated 90 years of continuous operation as a manufacturer of custom trains and underground mining equipment. Through nine decades of operation, the company’s innovations for the industry have increased safety and productivity while reducing environmental impact of train and mining equipment around the globe. For 20 of its 90 years, BEC has utilized the services of the Clarion University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for assistance in building and expanding their business. The long and storied relationship between the Clarion University SBDC and BEC began in 1987, when the company approached the SBDC for help completing a business plan and financial projections in order to apply for business loans. After working with the SBDC on these materials, BEC obtained several million dollars in loans to continue growing their business. BEC continued to consult with the Clarion University SBDC on various aspects of their business over the years. When BEC sought to expand its international business, the company approached the SBDC for help with export issues in new markets including Iraq, China, Canada and India. The SBDC also provided BEC with research on locomotive systems worldwide to better assess the company’s international potential. To date, BEC products have been shipped to more than 80 countries. Since the company began working with the SBDC, export sales have increased by 160 percent. BEC has seen growth in other areas of its business as well. Total production in the company’s manufacturing facilities has increased 198 percent since BEC first approached the SBDC. BEC also received assistance from the SBDC as the company began changing its computer infrastructure, increasing the company’s productivity. |
|
|
In 1996, BEC was devastated by a flood that left their Jefferson County facility in eight feet of water. Despite their misfortune, BEC managed to relocate and return to a normal production schedule within one month. In recognition of the company’s resilience, the Clarion University SBDC nominated BEC for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery, which the company subsequently won. When President and CEO, Dalph McNeil, accepted the award, he named the Clarion University SBDC as a partner in his company’s success and ability to recover from disaster. Just this month the History Channel’s Modern Marvels featured BEC and their innovative mining locomotives, which allow miners to quickly navigate underground tunnels. Remarkable recovery and product “marvels” have kept BEC growing. In fact, the company has become one of the
area’s largest employers with nearly 200 employees. In 2007, BEC posted sales of $26.6 million, a company sales record. BEC
is currently projecting sales of $50 million for 2008. As always, the Clarion University SBDC will be ready to help BEC move
in the right direction as the company continues to expand.
|
||
 |
  |
|
|
|
