Communication is an essential part of human life, and it's important to remember that not everyone has the ability to do this properly. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association estimates that between 5% - 10% of Americans have some form of communicative disorder. This means that for those who struggle with communication, even everyday interactions with friends and family can be difficult. PRC-Saltillo, a company based in Wayne County Ohio, is committed to providing the best possible service for people living with communication difficulties by utilizing the latest technology. Not only does this ensure those with disabilities can come closer to achieving greater independence; but it creates a sense of joy as they restore their connection to others.

Amy Miller, Chief Financial Officer, joined PRC-Saltillo in April of 2021 and was immediately drawn to the company’s mission – to enable individuals with speech and language impairments to successfully communicate and interact in their environment. The focus of PRC-Saltillo’s mission not only highlights the company’s understanding of the importance of communication, but also demonstrates their commitment to helping those impacted by such impairments. It is this mission that has fueled the company's tremendous success, along with a few other factors of course.

Founded in December of 1918, Akron Brass Manufacturing Company was formed to focus on making the brass attachments B.F. Goodrich used to turn its rubberized hoses into fire hoses. John C. Schellin, a manager at B.F. Goodrich started the brass manufacturing plant producing brass couplings, which allowed B.F. Goodrich to concentrate on the rubber industry.

With a growing company, the directors of Akron Brass passed a motion in 1919 for a 60-day option for property in Wadsworth. However, by December of that year, sales had fallen, so moving was put on the back burner. The decision was now to move forward with the company or liquidate.

During this same time, the Wooster Board of Trade was actively searching for firms to move to a Wooster industrial park located at the foot of Spruce Street. Members of the Wooster Board of Trade made the struggling Akron Brass a proposal to build a foundry and machine shop, and after several rounds of negotiations, Wooster had a thriving new industry.

Opening just after World War I ended, Akron Brass began making firefighting nozzles in the 1930’s, along with couplings. The company was well prepared for the work demands of World War II due to management and employees’ insight, dedication and teamwork. During the early 1940’s, Akron Brass’ business tripled causing an office expansion and new equipment/machinery. Akron Brass had shifted its manufacturing to concentrate on “war work.” The Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard all used Akron Brass products to guard the lives and equipment of their fighting forces. In 1942, ninety-five percent of work was for the war effort, but by 1945, they began converting from war production to peacetime levels.

With the end of World War II, Akron Brass was focused on new products and expansion and decided the answer was through mergers and acquisitions. There were several throughout the years, but with the dedicated team at Akron Brass, the company kept growing and thanks to their innovation, they developed nearly 100 patents.

Akron Brass continued responding to the needs of major city fire departments over the years, and in the 1980’s, expanded its factory direct sales team globally.

As they entered the new century, their recent and projected growth meant expanding operations to meet customer demands. On September 10, 2001, Akron Brass held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of a 62,000 square foot addition to the Old Mansfield Road and Venture Boulevard manufacturing plant. This provided 42,000 square feet of new manufacturing space and 20,000 square feet of office space and a world class indoor/outdoor testing facility. The building project also added a 17-foot deep, 1.5-million-gallon pond situated behind the newly finished facility. With the addition of this building, Akron Brass went from four facilities in Wooster down to two. The Spruce Street operations and machine shop relocated to this new facility, while the foundry continued operation on Bowman Street.

Unfortunately, the excitement of their new facility was quickly swept away the next day with the tragic news of terrorists attacking the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93, claiming the lives of nearly 3,000 victims, including 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

In a matter of minutes after the towers were struck, Akron Brass was contacted by the FDNY. “The FDNY is our largest water flow customer still to this day,” stated David Durstine, vice president of sales, industrial and growth markets. “In less than an hour, members of our team were on their way to New York City.” By 2 p.m. that afternoon, Akron Brass had representatives at the logistics center for FDNY and were provided with a request for products.

“Unfortunately, Akron Brass doesn’t hold any inventory for FDNY, as they don’t want potentially aged items sitting around,” said Durstine. “FDNY uses the latest and greatest and wants to know exactly when the materials and items for their orders are produced.”

In the following days, Akron Brass employees truly defined teamwork by fulfilling FDNY’s emergency equipment request. They produced over 200 firefighting nozzles, hose appliances and monitors. By 5:30 p.m. the next day, the products boarded a private plane from another Wooster company and received special permission to fly from the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) – which had otherwise closed American airspace. The products were then escorted to the World Trade Center, where firefighters used them to battle ongoing fires and knock down the dust and particles in the days after the attacks.

The original address of the new facility that was celebrated the day before the attacks wasn’t 343 Venture Boulevard, but they changed it in 2002 as a tribute to the 343 fallen firefighters. There’s also a tribute on the building and a ceremony held each year in remembrance.

Inside the Akron Brass facility is a spot dedicated to the 343 fallen heroes. “It includes a nozzle recovered from Tower 2,” stated Durstine. “It’s battered and bruised, but is still usable today.” Durstine added, “we were also presented with a helmet from the FDNY at the one-year anniversary for our efforts in supporting them.”

Akron Brass eventually received a purchase order from the city of New York. “We did what was right,” continued Durstine. “It was done in good faith.” Employees of Akron Brass spent a lot of time in New York after the attacks to help with repairs and to get the FDNY back in service. “No matter where employees fall in the Akron Brass family, they have an impact on the world through our business and products,” stated Durstine. “We have a lot of unsung heroes that work here.”

With the mergers and acquisitions, Akron Brass ultimately became part of the IDEX Corporation in March of 2016. With 7,000 employees and operations in more than 20 countries, IDEX is a high-performing, global enterprise committed to improving lives through trusted solutions. IDEX consists of health and science technology, fluid and metering technology and fire and safety diversified products.

Akron Brass is part of the fire and safety group, because its members share values, vision and culture. The group is positioned to be the world’s leading enabler of life-saving technology with fire and safety. “Under IDEX we work with our sister companies to embrace and leverage technology and work together collaboratively to help first responders save lives,” stated Durstine.

Under General Manager, Danny Teixeira, Akron Brass celebrated 100 years in 2018.

Akron Brass continues to have great partnerships with local fire stations. “We work together to take care of local communities,” stated Durstine. “Whether it’s a house fire or a natural disaster, Akron Brass products made in Wooster, Ohio will be there.”

Learn more about Akron Brass here.