By: Michael S. Huempfner, President & CEO
It’s that time of the year when we look back in reflection on our recent past and plan for the upcoming year in order to strive to be the best we can be for our customers and employees alike. You might recognize that this year-end analysis has a new name attached. While Ted Dann is still a strong and active presence in our company, a change in owners this year brought about a subsequent change in the President and CEO. Following a 40 year history in this industry, I stepped into the role and am very excited about the future of ACH Foam Technologies.
While the economic environment has continued to improve each year since 2008, there is no doubt that 2013 has been a breakout year for ACH Foam Technologies in terms of top line sales revenue, and we are thankful to our many customers across the country who stay strong and support us. We find fighting the rising cost of resin is a constant battle, but our bottom line has stayed strong and steady, showing the best improvement of the last five years. Another factor which has affected our bottom line is the move and write-down factors associated with closing the Newton, Kansas, plant. This will, however, enable us to be more efficient and cost effective in 2014 and going forward, something always important for the longevity of any company.
As we look toward 2014, we are still concentrating on our goals of developing new products throughout our plants and upgrading equipment as well. We will not be left behind in order to always produce the best product possible. We are also closely looking at and making improvements for increased space and efficient space utilization in some of our busiest plants. We are presently working on the budget for 2014, with the full expectation that the economy will continue to improve and reflect advantageously on our sales and improvements over the next year.
We also want to recognize the work and dedication of the many employees who work together to serve our customers with pride, from our sales force to those manufacturing our products and all involved in so many capacities. America’s greatest assets are its people and its products.
The New Year fills us with optimism, but dedication, hard work and careful planning are what truly keeps us competitive and at the forefront of the industry. To all who join us on this journey – our customers, friends, colleagues, and employees – we sincerely wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a very prosperous New Year! Merry Christmas!
