Edition 14 - June 2011

 

 

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TriMark History in Logos

 

As TriMark has grown and changed, the logo that represents the TriMark brand has evolved with the times.



 

Special Products for Special Vehicles

 

In addition to TriMark Service and Replacement Parts providing original hardware products and keys to RV dealers, locksmiths, and various end-users, TriMark has also been involved with providing "Access Solutions" for some highly visible and recognizable specialty vehicles.

Do you recognize these marketing icons?


 

TriMark's 40 Year Presence at Top Industry Tradeshows



 

TriMark "Access Solutions" Stand the Test of Time

 

For anyone who does not believe that good product design can endure and even be improved upon, they just need to take a closer look at some of TriMark's legacy products which are the "grandfathers" of many of today's successful systems and products.

The 718 Series Two Rotor Latch was originally developed in 1975, was the foundation for our popular 050-0100 Two Rotor Latch. Over 10 million units sold, this proven robust latch fits a wide range of applications and markets. The 2000 Series Elixir Door Latch was first introduced in 1978 and is still sold today as a 060-0251 Trailer Latch. This product was one of the first to have an integrated plunger latch in a paddle. The photo below is one of the first prototypes that were hand crafted, tested and marketed.



The 710S Series Compartment latch is still sold to Caterpillar as a 030-0150 Heavy Duty Compartment Latch, and was the first integrated paddle and rotary latch. And finally the 731 Series Flush Paddle still lives on as a 030-0200/0250 Paddle Handle for the demanding needs of forestry and construction equipment.

TriMark's rotary latch product line (20 million produced and still counting!), a variety of paddle handles and latches – these products have all helped create and sustain TriMark's reputation for innovative mechatronic door access systems.


 

 






APTA Expo 2011 (Transportation Show)
October 3-5, 2011
New Orleans, LA.



AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition (Armored Vehicle)
Oct. 10-12, 2011
Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC



BICES 2011
Oct. 18-21, 2011
Beijing Jiuhua International Exhibition Center
Beijing, China


2012 National RV Trade Show
Nov. 29 - Dec 1, 2011
Kentucky Expo Center
Louisville, Kentucky


 

 

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Looking Ahead While Looking Back

 

As I was thinking about my message to you for this special issue of the TriMark e-newsletter celebrating TriMark's 40th Anniversary, I was suddenly struck by a "reality check" – how do 40 years fly by so quickly? While not the first employee, I can tell you that I am in the "Top Ten" so I've had a very good seat from which to see TriMark and its predecessor companies grow and change as the times and our customers have dictated. While hindsight is always 20/20, I can say that as a company we've always tried to do the right thing for customers and for our employee/owners.

I'm sure you've noticed in your business how quickly the technology changes as it always seems to be a bit of struggle to keep up with the latest and greatest. While we were combing the archives for information for this newsletter, we thought it might be fun to share with you some of the information we dug out from the "old days." For example, we ran across a story that Ric Marzolf, VP of Research and Development, wrote for our internal newsletter back in 2002. He was reflecting on the changes that had taken place in our Engineering Department during his first 25 years with the company. We thought it would be fun to include that story for you. How many of you remember the slide rule?

We also took some time to talk with some of the long-time employees about the changes they've witnessed during their time at TriMark. In addition, we dug deep into the archives and found some photos of some very special and high-visibility product applications (see Special Vehicle story) TriMark has been involved in through the years.

While we take this time to look back 40 years and reflect on the road we've taken to this point, we also have to look at our company GPS (there's a term you didn't hear 40 years ago!) and plot the course for where we want to go in the future. The TriMark team continues to push forward its commitment to providing effective access solutions for our global customers.

While you and I will probably not be around for TriMark's 80th Anniversary, won't our successors have fun laughing at our "ancient" technology? Thank you for your continued support of TriMark – nothing happens without our dedicated employees, dependable suppliers and great customers!
Patti Knowlton
General Manager




 

TriMark Celebrates 40 Years of Door and Access Hardware Innovation

 

TriMark, a global designer and manufacturer of quality hardware products for the recreational vehicle, agricultural, truck, construction, and industrial enclosure markets is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

In 1971, TriMark Corporation was founded in New Hampton, Iowa with humble beginnings as a tool and die shop. The original owner had a vision to automate the die cast and assembly process supporting the window hardware market. Since then we have grown on the basis of the Midwestern work ethic, engineering excellence, product quality and a drive to serve customer's needs with products that fit THEIR requirements, especially when that meant innovation, problem solving and a customized solution.

In 1975, TriMark developed a heavy duty rotary latch for Winnebago Industries motor homes and Caterpillar construction equipment. This product line was the foundation for the popular 050-0100 Two Rotor Latch that is still sold today and was the beginnings of the current vehicular door hardware product line. TriMark has been recognized as a real product innovator with multiple patents as well as many unique and exclusive features. We like to say that TriMark rotary latches are "Often Copied but Never Equaled."

Today TriMark offers the widest range of rotary latches and leads the industry in reliability and durability. Products range from basic stand-alone designs to integrated linkages for both FMVSS 206 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for Door Locks and Door Retention Components) and non-206 applications. Offering a broad selection of rotary latch sizes, versions, features and options to meet virtually any application, all TriMark rotary latches feature the highest levels of quality, security and strength.

In 1989 TriMark employees added the pride of ownership to their motivation by purchasing the company and becoming 100% employee owned. Over the years, we've grown from ten employees to more than 300.

Our New Hampton facility is the corporate headquarters and is sited on twelve acres providing 132,000 square feet of administrative, engineering, manufacturing, service, and support activities.

In 1997, TriMark Europe was incorporated as a sales, engineering, distribution and logistics facility supporting the European construction equipment market. TriMark Europe is located at Bardon Hill, Coalville, United Kingdom. In 2007, TriMark Europe Ltd, a subsidiary of TriMark Corporation, has acquired West Alloy Ltd. Located in the UK. West Alloy is a market leader in the design and manufacture of locks, hinges, window stays and associated fittings for the world's best-known industrial and leisure vehicles.

In 1999, TriMark Service and Replacement Parts Division was launched and is located in a 9,600 square foot facility in New Hampton, Iowa. Providing the original hardware products and keys to RV dealers, locksmiths, specialty vehicle users and end users, we support "just-in-time", repair part packaging and stocking programs. Technical staff can assist in the proper selection and application of our products and help with the identification of repair or service parts.

In 2003 TriMark launched e-ASK electronic Access and Security Keyless-entry product line consisting of RF transmitter FOBs, keypads, I/O modules, power lock actuators and a wide variety of accessories for electronic products. Our keyless access control systems pave the way for innovative technologies that make non-automotive vehicles more convenient and secure.

One of TriMark's strategic strengths is the ability to provide complete door systems. Our broad product line includes handles, latches, strikers, rods and accessories, key cylinders, actuators, ignition switches, key pads and FOBs, CAN I/O modules, and door kits. And because today's applications are increasingly integrating mechanical systems with electronics and computer controls, TriMark has dedicated itself to being the undisputed leader in mechatronic integration of access systems for personnel doors, access panels, engine compartments and hoods, interior compartments, windows, and vehicle controls.

Following the global shift of construction equipment manufacturing, in 2007 TriMark obtained its license to manufacture and sell in China under the name TriMark (Xuzhou) Automotive Components Co. Ltd. in Xuzhou, China. Caterpillar and John Deere are two well known global customers that are served from TriMark China as well as a host of domestic customers in the China construction market.

In 2008, TriMark established the Armored Vehicle Business Unit that is dedicated to serving the needs of key armored vehicle OEM's as well as the commercial security market. Offering security, reliability and modularity, the TriGuard line of TriMark's heavy duty latches, linkages, handles and door modules are specifically developed for heavy duty armored vehicle applications. These robust door product/systems simplify vehicle and field attachment with reduced attachment points and door assembly.

Product quality is the primary driver of TriMark product engineering and its manufacturing processes. The emphasis on high quality persists throughout a worldwide supply base as suppliers are selected, not based on price, but the ability to deliver what TriMark is expected to provide; safety, quality, reliability, value and pride of ownership. Product validation is handled in TriMark's world class testing laboratory, which is able to accelerate harsh operating environments. Salt spray, dust chamber, lifecycle, and strength testing are performed to validate and further compress the time needed to launch the entire door system.

Customers soon discover TriMark works even harder after the order is placed to insure that the logistics of supply remain consistent and communication open. Customer service representatives are available to immediately answer questions for clients that experience fluctuations in their manufacturing.

We are the industry leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of door latch systems. Our years of experience provide us with a special knowledge that goes far beyond the simple function of opening and closing a door. Applications experience encompasses access systems for personnel doors, access panels, engine compartments and hoods, interior compartments, windows, and cab and vehicle controls.

TriMark's customers are found in a diverse set of both on-road and off-road applications such as industrial enclosures, power sports, mass transit, armored vehicle materials handling, utility truck, fire and rescue, heavy truck, special purpose vehicles, RV, bus, and motorcoach, agricultural equipment, and construction equipment. Not surprisingly, many of the markets are global in nature. And for that reason, TriMark has not ignored the need to integrate itself into the global marketplace.

Building on 40 Years of Innovation

Together with key factors that characterize the company's history: innovation, application engineering, product performance,
mechatronics, motivated employees and excellence of sourcing and manufacturing coupled with a market focus and future global trends will enable TriMark Corporation to face the future with renewed confidence and expectation of success.

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Ric Remembers

 

Back in 2002, Ric Marzolf, TriMark's Vice President of Research and Development, wrote an article for TriNews, TriMark's internal company newsletter, reflecting on his 25 years with the company. We thought our readers might find it interesting to see what he had to say at that time about the changes he experineced during that quarter-of-a-century. In honor of the 40th Anniversary, he agreed to give us an update on what's changed since that 2002 article appeared.

TriNews 9/02

2002 is a milestone year for me; I attended my 30th High school reunion, reached my 25th anniversary at TriMark in August and recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. The cars I drove and the music I listened to (still do) are now considered classics. All of this of course dates my age, but I wanted to reminisce briefly about the changes I have seen at TriMark's product development going back to the good old days (kind of sounds like my parents doesn't it?).

Drawings were done in pencil on a drafting table or board hence the term "It's on the board" (in development) or "back to the drawing board" (major revisions required). Tools that were used in the drafting function included drafting machines, scales, compass, templates, triangles, and electric eraser/erasing shields to correct the mistakes. You can imagine the time and expense to redraw a drawing or move a detail a mere .250 in.

Project notes, meeting minutes and a lot of calculations were hand written on lined paper. Slide rules were used for computations, including multiplication, division, powers, roots and trigonometric functions with the first calculators being used in 1975. Mine was a Texas Instruments TI-1250 and cost $60 for a basic four-function model.

TriMark's Product Development process has gone thru a total of 3 major programs – PDG, Flexibility, and the current P3 process plus continuous improvements and updates for each. Prototypes were crude, costly, took a long time and were done toward the end of the development cycle. The tolerances were atrocious and a great deal of fine-tuning was involved to get them to work the way they should. I have one of the first Travel Trailer prototypes (Elixir Lock) from 1977 in my office. By comparison our new Stratasys FDM (Fusion Deposition Modeling) rapid prototype machine is more akin to a copy machine than the DTM SLS sinter station machine we previously had and it light years ahead of the rubber molds and machined prototypes. It will offer us better accuracy, faster build times and more robust parts. > > Click here to continue...

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TriMark Employee Memories

 

While it may not be totally unique to a company celebrating 40 years in business, TriMark enjoys having a relatively large percentage of its employees who can trace their history with the company back over 30 years. We thought it would be fun to hear what they have to say about things such as the biggest changes they've witnessed and some of the other memorable moments that make this employee-owned company a real family.

When we reached out to about 30 TriMark employees who've been with the company 30+ years, we weren't really sure just what information we would get back in response to our questions. Here are a few highlights we thought you might enjoy. We have not included the names to protect the innocent!

Question: What is the most significant change in the company that you can remember?

Most of those who answered this question mentioned the increased use of technology – computers and automation - throughout all company operations.

"When we decided to replace our first computer with an AS400 we went from a computer the size of a chest freezer to one the size of a dehumidifier. Of course the machine was more money and I can still remember Scott Perkins coming in to see it and asking me where the rest of it was."

Also, the 1989 Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which accompanied the buy-back of the company, was very high on most respondents list. This answer also was listed by several respondents when asked about their most memorable moment at TriMark.

The following was written for a capabilities brochure in 1990 as the kick-off to becoming Employee Owned….

A strong work ethic has long been a valuable asset for businesses that locate in the nation's heartland. At TriMark, it's taken for granted.

Our employees, some 115 strong, represent average work tenure of over 10 years. Yet – even with all this experience, we're a young company with an average age of only 35 years. When you take these employee's characteristics and consider these employees actually own the company, it's not difficult to understand why a commitment to quality and service are taken very seriously. Our pride runs deep. And it shows in our products.

Because we're an employee-owned company we think it's critical to do things right – the first time – every time! Should we ever fail to meet the expectations of our customers, you can be assured we will make it right. We have more than our jobs on the line here – we have our word. And in New Hampton, Iowa, a person's word isn't just a hollow statement, it's a pledge and we stand behind it – every single one of us.

Today, after 22 years of ESOP, we've grown to 267 employees in the ESOP and have average work tenure of 12 years with an average age of 44. So we have matured a little and are proud that we have 30 employees with over 30 years experience that are still delivering on the promises that have propelled TriMark to where we are today. Today we are welcoming new employees that have the kind of skills and training demanded companies such as TriMark who operate on a global stage. We welcome these new additions to the TriMark family and look forward to seeing them continue on the successful path that has provided TriMark the keys to success for our first 40 years.

The addition of TriMark Europe and TriMark China was also mentioned.

Question: How would you describe your experiences at TriMark?

We'll use this direct statement to speak for a majority of the respondents: "Well, I love what I do and I guess when you can still wake up and look forward to going to work, that's a good thing."

Question: Do you have any other comments you would like to share?

"Thirty-five years ago, I was on my way to Waterloo, Iowa to look for a job. I was going past TriMark and though I would stop. I had an application in already. Jim Grove, then the supervisor of Die Cast talked to me and said, "A guy quit in Die Cast this morning, you can start Sunday night on third shift." I thought well I can do this till I find something better. Well I'm still here…"

And finally.

"I have never met someone from outside of TriMark who didn't want to come back and do work for us again. There is something about this place and the people that instill a lasting positive impression on people."

Thank you TriMark employees for 40 years of loyal and dedicated service.

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TriMark Corporation
500 Bailey Avenue
PO Box 350
New Hampton, IA 50659

Tollfree: 1-800-447-0343
Phone: 1-641-394-3188
Fax: 1-641-394-2392

Email: tips@trimarkcorp.com

Visit us on the web at www.trimarkcorp.com


This e-newsletter is a service of TriMark Corp. and is produced by The Bearings Group



 

 

 

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