Oertel Metal Works honored as 2024 Business of the Year
Originally published by the Quad Cities Chamber on August 7, 2024. Click here for original article.
The Quad Cities Chamber honored Oertel Metal Works, a McCarthy-Bush Company, as Business of the Year at the 2024 Annual Meeting.
Headquartered in Davenport, the company’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, regional focus and community engagement has earned it this award.
Oertel Metal Works, a full-service metal fabrication shop in business for 36 years, now employs 88 workers and over the past two years has invested several millions of dollars in capital equipment to improve operations and add new services. The 76% increase in staff over the last 24 months, includes nearly all new management. The company’s commitment to transparent communication, bottom-up engagement and positive work culture has resulted in a 50% increase in revenue.
Oertel President, Brian Krzyaniak, said “We’ve seen a lot of change over the last 24 months, our team has grown and persevered in a way I’m proud of every day and I credit this incredible recognition to each of them. Being named the Chamber’s Business of the Year will only inspire us to continue driving positive change and growth in our region.”
Oertel’s regional commitment is evident in its support of local vendors, partnerships with regional OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and being a Union Shop. Additionally, its community engagement efforts include participating in the Quad Cities Chamber’s High School apprenticeship program (7 apprentices were chosen this year), volunteering with Junior Achievement, and maintaining a longstanding sponsorship of the YMCA Turkey Trot through its corporate entity, McCarthy-Bush. Oertel’s new Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy and partnership with United Way further illustrate its dedication to making a positive impact in the Quad Cities.
In addition to the millions of dollars Oertel has invested in capital equipment such as its new high-definition laser, angle line machine, paint and blast booths, the company has also expanded its physical footprint. It purchased the building adjacent to its current facility to enhance storage and inventory management capabilities. Several infrastructure improvements were made to its existing building, optimizing space utilization through strategic shop floor planning in partnership with CIRAS.
“The Chamber connected us with CIRAS (Center for Industrial Research and Service), who we’ve partnered with over the last two years on several strategic initiatives to improve our productivity and plan for future growth. We’re grateful for all the ways the Chamber supports us, big and small,” said Krzyaniak.
Recognizing the continued need for more space, Oertel recently leased 15,000 square feet of space in the QC Press building in West Davenport. This portion of the building is now being revitalized to accommodate the fabrication of several large-weld customer projects. The move not only addresses spatial needs but contributes to the economic rejuvenation of West Davenport.
Oertel Metal Works continues to push the boundaries of innovation to enhance its operations and better serve clients. One of the most impactful innovations currently implemented was a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Global Shop. This state-of-the-art ERP system will revolutionize workflow by integrating all facets of business into a single, cohesive platform. The implementation of Global Shop is expected to streamline processes, reduce waste and improve the company’s ability to meet customer demands promptly. This innovation will not only increase productivity but will enhance Oertel’s ability to deliver high-quality products consistently. By embracing this advanced technology, Oertel Metal Works demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of industry advancements.
Krzyaniak added, “At the end of the day, any investment we make in our business is an investment to deliver better quality and service to our customers. We’re committed to delivering products the right way, on time, the first time.”