Summerfest Business Alliance Member Spotlight
In one paragraph, tell us about your organization, your mission statement, how, when and why your organization was founded, and what you are best known for.
Rite-Hite is a world leader in the manufacture, sale and service of loading dock equipment, industrial doors, safety barriers, HVLS fans, industrial curtain walls, snow removal machines and more – all designed to improve safety, security, productivity, energy consumption and environmental control. In addition to manufacturing high-quality industrial equipment, Rite-Hite is proud of its relationship-based approach to fulfilling customer needs through our exclusive Global Distribution Network. This network is comprised of both independent representatives and a wholly owned subsidiary called Arbon Equipment Corporation. Our representatives provide product solutions, service and expertise to meet the ever-changing needs of customers all around the country and the world. Our 2300 employees around the world are driven to help our customers in all kinds of industries and companies large and small. We manufacture our products in Memphis, TN; Dubuque, IA, Clare, MI; Volkmarsen, Germany; Jawor, Poland; Melbourne, Australia; and Kunshan, China.
What does the future hold for your organization? How do you continue to evolve and what is needed to ensure future success?
Rite-Hite was founded in Milwaukee over 55 years ago and we call this city our home. In early 2020 we announced the building of a new Rite-Hite Global Headquarters Campus at the Reed Street Yards business park in Milwaukee’s Walkers Point neighborhood. Construction is in full swing and we expect to begin our relocation process, from our four current locations, this summer. We are excited for our business to continue being an important part of the Milwaukee fabric with this move.
As for our product offerings, the innovative spirit runs deep at the company. Not only do we continually develop new products and make improvements to existing products, but we are also embracing the demand for smart equipment. Many of our products have the capability to collect data that can be used by facility managers and safety leaders as they work to be as efficient as possible while keeping safety top of mind. Developing technology that helps our customers run a better and safer business is what we have always been about and helps us live out our tagline of Always Looking Ahead.
The pandemic has challenged us all to look at how we do business and adapt. What are some ways in which your business has had to adapt and pivot, and how has that led to success?
Like all companies, the past couple of years have been a roller coaster. Our employees are our most important asset, and so their safety and health has been a major focus during the pandemic. In addition to our manufacturing associates needing to work in our plants every day, our subsidiary, Arbon Equipment, employs several hundred technicians who work at customer sites repairing, servicing, maintaining and installing industrial equipment. We have learned to be flexible and adjust to the onsite requirements at our customer locations, we have taken all the precautions we can to keep our manufacturing associates healthy and able to work, and we have innovated some products to help address pandemic-related challenges for things like social distancing for our customers. What’s more, with the increased attention on the supply chain, Rite-Hite products fit right into that story since we manufacture all the main components of a loading dock, key for shipping and receiving operations. In addition, to meet the increased demand for our products, our plant in Dubuque, IA is adding a third shift.
Why is it important to your organization to support Summerfest through the Summerfest Business Alliance and what are some of the unique ways in which you distribute your Summerfest tickets?
Summerfest is a great Milwaukee tradition and brings amazing energy to the city. Over the years our employees have been able to use our tickets to attend this great event and we look forward to more fun times at the lakefront.