The Economy

Manufacturer of HVAC Accessories Picks Tulsa for New Distribution Site

Feb. 3, 2011

Company plans to add manufacturing to the site.

Ductmate Industries Inc., a Charleroi, Pa.-based manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning accessories, has chosen Tulsa, Okla, for the site of its new distribution warehouse.

Ductmate moved into a 61,520-square-foot leased facility in early January. The company said its five-year plan is to add manufacturing to the 9.4-acre site.

"We are very pleased to have chosen Tulsa," said Ray Yeagar, president and CEO of DMI Industries, parent company of Ductmate. "The city and chamber [of commerce] have created an environment where companies such as Ductmate can operate profitably. Profitability will help create opportunities and jobs. We look forward to being a good corporate citizen, giving back to the community in which our employees live."

Ductmate has three manufacturing facilities: two in Pennsylvania and one in California. Locating a distribution center in Tulsa will help Ductmate expand into the Southern U.S. market, the company said.

When Ductmate adds manufacturing to its Tulsa site, the company could employ anywhere from 10 to 25 employees there, all to be hired locally, the company noted.

Ductmate's corporate project manager, Tom Boyer, said he looked at dozens of sites in seven counties in the Tulsa area, and the location on North Sheridan presented the best opportunity for the company.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.