Penray Inc. will celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2016. Founded in 1951, the company will engage in a year-long program of activities marking the milestone of 65 years of helping customers solve problems and increase their profits with chemistry and technology focused on transportation, marine and industrial markets.
During the last 65 years Penray has grown to be a leading supplier of aerosol and liquid products, focusing on the automotive and heavy-duty arenas, with a vast array of additives, supplements, cleaners, protectants and other fluids.
From modest beginnings in 1951, the privately held company has grown to be an industry leader with two manufacturing facilities in Illinois. Penray products are developed, blended, tested, manufactured and packaged in these two U.S. facilities. Sales and marketing, working with staff chemists, develop solutions to solve complex issues found by today’s technicians.
Randy Fowler, Vice President of Automotive and Private Brand Sales, is a Penray employee with many years of experience with the company. “I have seen tremendous change in our organization over the years. Continuous investments in plant modernization, our focus on new products and emphasis on customer service have really shaped and helped the company evolve. We have improved our infrastructure, making us a better company for our customers.”
For example, new products undergo extensive testing, both in the labs and also in real-world conditions. Only when they have shown excellent performance, durability and compatibility characteristics are they released for production.
To best satisfy the needs of their customers, the company has evolved into four business units – automotive, heavy-duty, export and custom manufacturing for private label customers.
“Penray’s growth and success are the result of a variety of factors,” said David Sholtis, company CEO. “First and foremost is our company’s commitment to developing and marketing innovative products that work. Our extensive R&D and testing confirm that our products provide the benefits they’re designed for. Customer acceptance and repeat purchases confirm this fact.
“Furthermore, our company has always benefited from forward-thinking management and technical experts who consistently monitor the various markets we serve, analyzing trends and identifying needs just as soon as they develop,” Sholtis said. “A good example is the family of additives and supplements we offer for the heavy-duty market. The need for these products has evolved with the advent of Ultra-Low-Sulfur-Diesel (ULSD) and bio-fuels, which bring a variety of unintended consequences. Our team identified these issues early on and immediately embarked on a development program to address the issues associated with these new fuel blends.
“We would be remiss if we didn’t thank our dedicated customers for their support over the years. Today we are a better company and continue to improve based on their on-going feedback. Many of our products and improvements are the result of our customers’ suggestions and ideas. Working together we help each other and continue our long-lasting relationships. After 65 years, we’re just getting started,” concludes Sholtis. “We expect continued growth and success over the next 65 years and beyond.”
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