Industry Success Stories
As one of the nation's most strategic industrial hubs, Champaign County is home to numerous success stories of company start-up and growth. Below are some of these stories.
Hobbico
Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc.
Hobbico
In 1971, Tower Hobbies started in Champaign , Illinois as a “basement operation” and was created to be a high-discount, retail mail order company selling radio controlled models to consumers.
Then, in 1973, Great Planes Model Distributors was formed, and grew rapidly and soon became one of the dominate wholesale distributors in the industry. In addition to its wholesale business, Great Planes also began manufacturing model airplane kits, and its products became known throughout the R/C industry for their excellent design and quality workmanship.
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Hobbico's recently expanded facility |
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In January of 1986, Hobbico was formed through the merger of Tower Hobbies and Great Planes. The merger allowed the company to achieve greater operating efficiencies, purchasing discounts and other economies of scale. Hobbico's rapid growth over the years has been largely driven by acquisitions and Hobbico's pursuit of proprietary product lines through the development of house brands and its establishment of exclusive distribution rights with key brand-name manufacturers.
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“Our company has been a part of the business community in Urbana-Champaign for over 30 years and we're proud to be renewing our commitment to Illinois through this expansion project”, said Bill Muirhead, Hobbico's Senior VP for Finance.
Hobbico began an expansion of the Champaign facility in 2003. The addition included over 65,000 square feet of additional warehouse space as well as over 30,000 square feet of additional office space. Expanding the facility not only provides it's customers with faster, more efficient service, it also provides the Hobbico employees with a state-of-the-art facility in which to work.
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Company Name:
Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc.
Product:
Liquid filters (oil, fuel, hydraulic)
Market Served:
Caterpillar, Inc.
Number of Employees:
165
Accomplishments:
Receivied OSHA's Z-Project Safety Award in 2003 |
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How has being located in Champaign County helped your company achieve your objectives?
"Our location in Champaign County has given AFSI access to skilled, dedicated employees as well as a good proximity to key Caterpillar plants and distribution centers." - Jeff May, General Manager
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