MAGNA TECH, Inc. Expands


June 11, 1996


Magna Tech Inc. President, David G. Orr, a Chanute, Kansas native and founder of the company, made the following announcement today. Magna Tech, Inc. of Brooklyn and Victor, Iowa, the world's largest producer of towing accessories, will manufacture both TOLLE and MAGNA TECH products in Chanute, Kansas. On May 11th, 1996, Mr. Orr purchased the Tolle product name and all of its patents, trademarks, and copyrights from the now defunct VMI Industries. Magna Tech will hire many of the former Tolle employees to produce the Tolle product to its original high standard.

Kenneth Caldwell and the late Russell Tolle started the Tolle Manufacturing Company in the early 70's in Chanute. They sold their successful company in 1986. Magna Tech intends to continue the Tolle product line, adding Magna Tech manufacturing technology to the Tolle process.

Magna Tech said it will be opening a new plant in the Safari Industrial Park, 3800 Ross Lane, Chanute, Kansas, in what once was the Churchill Fabrication plant. Magna Tech has successfully manufactured towing accessories since 1989 and should not be confused with any other towing accessory manufacturer.

Magna Tech will initially hire 19 people from the Chanute area. David J. Bass, a former Chanute resident, has been employed as Vice President of Manufacturing, effective June 1, 1996.

Mr. Orr started Magna Tech and Magna Transportation in 1989 in Victor, Iowa, manufacturing and transporting accessories and OEM parts for the towing industry. Magna Transportation is a contract carrier for many national accounts. In 1993 they opened a second plant to add to their existing product line, in Brooklyn, Iowa. Magna Tech now manufactures over 981 items for use in 13 countries, and employs 42 people. Magna Tech's move will include relocating several families to the Chanute area.

Magna Tech wants to thank the people who have helped in making the decision to come to Chanute easier, including: Ken Caldwell, the former Tolle employees, Harvey and Darren Young of Young's Welding Inc, Neal Ford of Nu-Wa Industries, Mayor Leroy Chard and Brad Eilts of the City of Chanute, Cheryl Lyons of the Chanute Chamber of Commerce, and many others who have been supportive.

Applications for employment will be taken after August 30th through the Kansas Job Center division of employment at 119 North Grant Street, Chanute, Kansas 66720

 

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