For some CEOs, implementing change within their company is an arduous task.
But for Darius Szczekocki, CEO of American Aluminum Extrusions of Ohio LLC, change is a good thing. As a result, his start-up company is a much different organization than it was five years ago.
Building a successful company requires its leader to search for innovative ideas that will secure its future. In addition to adding 58,000 square feet onto his 250,000-square-foot Canton facility, Szczekocki recently expanded his company’s offerings with surface treatment and fabrication services. He also diversified by establishing American Fence Factory in 2005.
These changes have significantly increased the company’s labor force and added stability.
Although Szczekocki had opportunities to settle his company in other locations, he chose Canton as its corporate headquarters. American Aluminum Extrusions was established in September 2001 with 10 employees, and it reported $1 million in 2001 revenue. In spite of difficult periods following Sept. 11, the company grew to 69 employees and more than $30 million in annual revenue last year.
American Aluminum Extrusions specializes in custom and standard extrusion for the transportation, distribution, building, linear motion and electronic original equipment manufacturing markets. It also designs specialty equipment for large-volume or close-tolerance assemblies. It can also assemble its customers’ product on its manufacturing floor to simplify product flow.
The company’s employees continually strive to honor its mission statement: To provide cost-effective aluminum shapes, on time, complete within specifications.
American Aluminum Extrusions’ executive team is committed to investing back into the business every year, putting more than $1.8 million back into the company and its work force since 2001.
It also invests as heavily as it can in community businesses and local vendors. So far in 2006, the company has purchased more than $6.4 million in goods from at least 55 businesses in the Stark County area. American Aluminum Extrusions is also a member of the Stark County Safety Council and supports organizations including the Ohio Narcotics Officers Association, the American Lung Association, local softball teams and the Ohio Jaycees.
HOW TO REACH: American Aluminum Extrusions of Ohio LLC, (330) 458-0300 or www.aaeo.com