EMP: Company History
Reestablishment Period (1991-1994)
In 1991, Brian Larche, Chairman, President and CEO led the purchase of EMP from Freudenberg-NOK. At that time, the Company was no longer
considered a core strategic focus for the newly merged Feudenberg-NOK. A significant opportunity was created as foreign competition in
the heavy/diesel market resulted in the outsourcing of components to suppliers who had proven their ability to provide quality parts
and on-time delivery, at competitive prices. During this period, EMP successfully converted from manual processes to the use of
state-of-the-art CAD/CAM applications and CNC equipment for flexible, highly efficient manufacturing. With these changes, EMP saw
sales double to $14.5 million in 1994.
Market Momentum (1995-1998)
By 1995, EMP had established a reputation as a dependable full service engineering and manufacturing operation in the heavy/diesel
industry. During this period, EMP once again doubled sales from $21.5 million in 1995 to $45.1 million in 1998. In 1997, a result of
continued outstanding growth, EMP expanded into a 150,000 square foot facility in Escanaba, MI. At this facility, EMP received its’
QS 9000 certification.
Building for Growth (1999-2002)
During this period of rapid growth, it was vital to build the proper infrastructure needed to support the business and maintain the company’s
reputation for quality and service. EMP expanded its Escanaba, MI facility by 93,000 square feet, including a 7,500 square foot manufacturing
complex with attached 10,000 square foot tool and die facility. EMP also opened a 30,000 square feet facility in August 1999 to house R&D
staff and labs, ramping up its already significant R&D engineering capabilities. EMP attracted key engineering talent with backgrounds in
fluid mechanics and engine design and, to better serve its' customer base, launched a modern 80,000 square foot facility in Greenfield, IN
to focus on assembly and logistics for key customers.
EMP was selected for technology development awards by the Department of Defense, TACOM, and the Department of Energy. These programs enabled EMP to develop its core portfolio of advanced products, including electric water pumps and oil management systems. EMP saw the issuance of their first patents in early 2000.
In 2000, EMP acquired Stewart Components, a manufacturer of water pumps for the motorsports market. This was a strategic move for EMP to enter the high-performance engines market. This acquisition enabled EMP with another avenue for the testing of its thermal management products under the harshest of conditions.
2001 was a year that saw EMP receive industry wide recognition for its achievements. Significant strides were made in the advancement of EMP’s thermal management technologies. EMP received numerous certifications and industry awards as an innovator and leader. The Company also launched its' second assembly and logistics facility during this period. Located in Indianapolis, this 110,000 square foot facility was strategically placed to serve its' key customers in the Midwest. By the end of 2002, annual sales reached $145 million.
Market Leadership (2003 – 2006)
By 2003, EMP had all of the necessary infrastructure (people, facilities, robotics automation capabilities, quality products) to attract
and retain new business, with new customers, in new markets while continuing to manage its key customer base of OEM diesel engine
manufacturers. EMP began a strategy to emphasize both product and market diversification in its’ conventional product business, while
staying energized with the introduction of its’ patented electrified thermal and oil management components/systems, known as EMP’s Advanced
Products portfolio. In 2006, EMP expanded the company-owned Greenfield, Indiana facility to 150,000 square feet. This expansion enabled
continuation of growth. The company launched a broad Six Sigma initiative across the entire organization to demonstrate its’ commitment
to continuous process improvement and efficiency. During this period, EMP experienced continued growth in sales.
In 2007, EMP began the market launch of its proprietary thermal and oil management systems. It's worldwide markets are on-highway, off-highway, hybrid & specialty and transit bus.