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“ What makes us stand out is quite simply our outstanding customer service . We are committed to being present for our customers and supporting them whilst supplying highquality products in a timely fashion . It isn ’ t
always easy because , although I don ’ t believe
that the customer is always right , the cards really are in their hands . While this can prove frustrating and challenging for an organization , we recognize that ultimately , our customers enable our success and business growth . Hence , we have a duty to find ways to meet their needs and provide support . The awards bestowed upon us by our clients reflect our commitment to that duty . For example , we have received ‘ Supplier of the Year ’ and innovation awards from our customers , which is the highest-level certification they can grant . By supplying competitively priced , highquality products on time , we seek to establish ourselves as a trustworthy partner ,” he affirms .
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Employee owned
Stepping back a few decades , Steven sheds light on FEMA ’ s inspiring journey . “ Rocket scientist Robert Banfield , who was doing hydraulic research in the aerospace industry , founded FEMA in 1968 . The name FEMA is derived from Newton ’ s second law ‘ force equals mass times acceleration ’. Robert was inspired to create the company while he was working on low mechanical hysteresis servo valves and had the idea to extend its applications to the industrial , off-highway , and automotive markets . Though originally based in Southern California , the company relocated to Portage , Michigan in 1971 to improve access to primary markets and customers ’ technology centers . From a mere job shop involved in military production , FEMA evolved into a standalone company in the late 1970s and has experienced tremendous growth and expansion since then . Notably , international sales made up 30 percent of our turnover in the early 2000s , marking another significant milestone for the business . Although our operations now cover autonomy and ride dynamics , we still primarily provide electrohydraulic and electromechanical solutions to OEMs ,” he says .
With the blessing of FEMA founder Robert , Steven reveals that the company is now 100 percent employee owned . “ Being responsible for our own success really drives our culture , as each employee actually benefits directly from FEMA ’ s growth ,” he begins . “ In the mid- 1990s , Robert laid the foundation for employee ownership , beginning with a small transaction that encompassed about one-third of the company . By 2011 , we achieved full employee ownership , and Robert exited the business . I believe that one of Robert ’ s
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