In
1919, the world’s best-selling automobile was the Ford Model T and the
independent aftermarket was still in its formative stages. Yet,
Czechoslovakian immigrant Martin Skok saw opportunity in the vehicle
parts industry. In May of that year, Skok founded the company that
would become Elgin Industries, which, 90 years later, continues to
prove that a family-owned manufacturing business can thrive in the
automotive and commercial vehicle markets.
Elgin Industries, now
operated by Skok’s grandchildren, is celebrating its 90th Anniversary
with a nearly yearlong series of activities and product announcements
as well as an extensive branding campaign in support of the company’s
original equipment and aftermarket operations.
“Ninety years is
a very significant milestone for any family-owned business, but
especially so in the automotive and heavy-duty markets because it means
you were a pioneer in one of the world’s largest and most important
industries,” said Elgin President Bill Skok. “Our 90th Anniversary
celebration will honor not only the vision and hard work of my
grandfather and my father, but also the past and future success of our
customers.”
Among the company’s largest customers are General
Motors, Ford, Navistar, Harley-Davidson, and Federal-Mogul, as well as
thousands of replacement parts distributors, engine rebuilders and
repair businesses around the world. In addition to its fully integrated
manufacturing and distribution operations serving North American OEMs
and aftermarket accounts, Elgin operates a highly successful parts
exporting business, Elgin World Trade.
Headquartered in Elgin,
IL, Elgin Industries operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing and
heat-treat facility that annually produces more than 80 million engine
and chassis components for the original equipment and replacement parts
markets. The company’s product line has grown to cover the complete
engine valvetrain – camshafts; valves; valve springs, locks, spacers
and retainers; rocker arms; lifters; and push rods – as well as timing
components, oil pumps and dozens of other internal engine parts for
domestic and import applications. Elgin also offers a comprehensive
line of OE-quality replacement chassis components, including ball
joints, tie rod ends, idler/pitman arms, coil springs and drag links,
as well as complete king pin sets for heavy-duty applications.
One
of the most significant recent additions to the company’s product line
was the Eaton brand of diesel engine components, of which Elgin is now
the exclusive aftermarket source.
Elgin’s performance engine
parts business continues to grow under the widely recognized Elgin
PRO-STOCK brand, and several important additions to the performance
business are planned for the company’s 90th Anniversary year, according
to Skok.
“We are very entrepreneurial in our approach to the
performance marketplace,” he said. “We are dramatically expanding our
product offering, refining our cataloging and packaging, and updating
our brand structure to enable customers of all sizes to grow their
businesses by relying on Elgin.”
For additional information
regarding Elgin Industries and the company’s 90th Anniversary
celebration, contact your Elgin representative or write to: Elgin
Industries, 1100 Jansen Farm Drive, Elgin, IL 60123 or
[email protected], or call (800) 323-6764. Additional information and
a comprehensive online parts catalog are available at www.elginind.com.
