BY BRAD OPPENHEIM
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV
Since opening its doors more than three decades ago, Lafayette-based Steiner Enterprises, a contract manufacturer specializing in designing, engineering and developing mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical devices, has created a reputation as innovators in design and manufacturing.
Before Steiner Enterprises was established, its founder, Ed Steiner, and current owner and president, Tom Hicks, worked for a local, fully integrated manufacturing company. Frustrated with the limitations and lack of cost competitiveness of designing products to be produced on in-house machinery, Steiner envisioned a solution. His solution was to create a contract manufacturing business that leveraged the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturers to produce components. This innovative approach would free product designs from the constraints of in-house tools and equipment, paving the way for greater flexibility and efficiency while reducing production costs.
Steiner’s vision became a reality with the founding of Steiner Enterprises. Together Steiner and Hicks began building a network of local and regional manufacturers. They tapped into the talents of Purdue University students and early retirees to handle assembly, packaging and shipping, creating a dynamic and resourceful team.
“Steiner Enterprises started with a $200 purchase order from a customer in the science education market who is still doing business with us today,” Hicks says. “Within five years, Steiner grew to be a major supplier in the science education market before diversifying into new markets in the early 2000s.”
As the company continued to thrive, Steiner made the decision to step aside and retire in 2007. That’s when Don DeWitt stepped into the picture as a partner, bringing along his electrical engineering expertise and passion for innovation.
Among such innovative solutions include their strategy of independently run business units for specialized production teams. “By dividing our business into specialized teams, we ensure that each project gets the focus it needs, leading to more effective project management and better results,” says DeWitt. “With a single point of contact who understands your company’s culture, we take full ownership of your project, saving you both time and money while boosting efficiency and reducing errors.”
“Today, Steiner employs about 50 full- and part-time team members and serves a diverse range of industries, including sports equipment, electronics, consumer products, industrial applications and the RV industry,” Hicks says.
As for everyday operations, it can be described in one word: innovation. The company designs, engineers
and prototypes products to solve problems for its
customers.
“Often, these problems involve a product concept or just a few ideas for a new product. We take those ideas, design a finished product, and handle the production, assembly and packaging to provide a truly turn-key solution for our customers,” says Hicks. “Other times, our customers will bring us an existing product that isn’t meeting their needs, whether it’s due to functionality, quality or supply chain issues. We can redesign the product to address their concerns and leverage our global supply network to ensure their production needs are met.” The components come into its facility, located in Lafayette on Coleman Court, where it is assembled, tested, packaged and shipped.
Among the company’s milestones include growth from a regional manufacturing supply chain to having a global presence with supply chains across the United States and Southeast Asia. The company also has received two Manufacturing Readiness Grants, assisting in expediting its prototyping processes and bringing products to market sooner.
“It’s a testament to the vision, innovation and teamwork that define our company,” Hicks says.
“At our core, we are dedicated problem solvers, focused on creating innovative solutions through the products we manufacture, and the products we manufacture are the solutions to our customers’ unique challenges,” says Josh DeWitt, director of engineering. “Whether it’s a single unit or 300,000, we bring ideas to life—from a simple napkin sketch to a fully functioning product.”
As demand constantly shifts, Steiner makes it a priority to keep up with current needs. “Our customers really take the lead when it comes to forecasting. We stay in close contact with them, and they provide us with their forecasts so we can stay on track,” says Operations Manager Dave Barrett. “We also make sure to have regular conversations with both our customers and suppliers to stay on top of things and make sure we’re ready to meet demand as it changes.”
Though Steiner serves clients throughout the United States, it certainly hasn’t forgotten its roots. “We have had good success working with and employing Purdue students as well as students from local high schools for summer employment,” says Wanda Miller, human resources manager. “We take pride in knowing that the experience they gain with us gives them a competitive edge in the job market.
“The leadership at Greater Lafayette Commerce has played a pivotal role in helping us establish valuable local connections. We have several business partners in the Greater Lafayette area that we rely upon as a critical part of our supply chain.”
In a field with an ever-growing amount of competition, Hicks says that unwavering passion for providing turn-key solutions that drive success and growth for its customers is the motivating factor to stand out among the crowd.
“From concept to design, from design to prototype, from prototype to mass production, and from mass production to assembly and packaging, we enjoy being a part of every step of the process,” Hicks says. “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We’re non-traditionalists who thrive on change and constantly look for new ways to improve and evolve.”
While the most recent growth has been in the RV market, Hicks says the company continues to explore expansion into other industries.
“As we continue to expand into new industries, we are dedicated to growing our engineering team and establishing additional business units to support new customers, innovative products and increased demand for assembly workers,” he says. “Whether you’re an engineer seeking a rewarding and challenging role, or a student or retiree interested in a flexible schedule, we encourage you to reach out to explore the opportunities available as we embrace our continued growth and development.”
At the end of the day, one of Steiner’s greatest and most appreciated strengths is the client-customer relationship, making it known that they are more than just a vendor; they are a partner.
“Whether we’re creating something entirely new or enhancing an existing product, every product we produce is driven by the need to solve a problem for our customers,” says Josh DeWitt. “If there is an engineering, quality or supply chain solution we can provide, let us know how we can help. We’re always looking for new challenges.”
For additional information, including contacts, visit steineronline.com. For additional information, including contacts, visit steineronline.com.
