With all of the hoopla created by Honda’s announcement, the employees at Custom Conveyor don’t want people to forget about them.

Decatur County already plays a big role in the automotive field. Since 1980, Custom Conveyor Inc. has set up shop on East State Road 46 west of New Point. In fact, they already work with seven automotive companies including Daimler Chrysler Corp., Toyota and Allison Transmission with the hopes of adding another key account, Honda.

“We are all very excited for Honda to be in the area,” Katy Rice, Custom Conveyor secretary and promoter. “We hope our reputation of quality service and products is heard by the people of Honda.”

Custom Conveyor designs, manufactures and installs all types of custom and standard material handling equipment and complete assembly line systems. Currently, Chrysler engineers and CCI employees are working together for a $15 million conveyor system for the automaker’s Kokomo plant. Most of it is already installed at the site. When complete, it will transport transmissions, gears and other auto parts.

“We choose a company to work with based on their timing, price, ability to meet our specs and delivery,” said Rodney Mayberry, Kokomo plant facility engineer. “We chose CCI for their proven and reliable customer service and product.”

That is exactly what all 33 CCI employees want Honda to know.

“We hope, with the closeness of our facility and great reputation, Honda will choose us for equipment,” president and CEO of CCI Jim Stapp said. “Transportation can be very expensive shipping in parts from Japan. Since we have done work with Toyota, we’re hoping Honda hears about us through them.”

Another company also has been doing multiple jobs with CCI, also shares the same feelings.

“They are a pleasure to work with, and are extremely customer focused and they are open to new concepts and technology which enables their customers to increase productivity and profitability,” David Youngblood of Schneider Electric. “They truly understand the concept of teamwork.”

CCI has always been a big supporter of local businesses and community.

“We use mostly local companies to help keep our business running,” Rice said.

To give back to the community also, the founders opened up the Circle S Ranch where families and kids can ride around, feed and pet animals from all over the world. The 32-acre ranch has a variety of animals from exotic birds to a kid-friendly camel.

“The Stapp are very friendly people who just care about those who work for them and the community that surrounds their operation,” Rice said.

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