MARIETTA, OKLA. - Chickasaw Nation officials today conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for a 10,000 sq. ft. expansion at its manufacturing facility, InnovationOne, LLC, a subsidiary of Chickasaw Nation Industries.
The expansion will support the addition of one of the largest sand blasting and wet painting operations in Southern Oklahoma. InnovationOne manufactures custom steel projects ranging from elevator components to parts for military aircraft. These custom orders are shipped to clients around the globe. The expansion increases the production facility to 110,000 sq. ft. and adds more than $1.5 million in new state-of-the-art equipment.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said the upgrades are an investment in the people of southern Oklahoma.
"InnovationOne is a vital part of our business diversification efforts," said Gov. Anoatubby. "Beyond that, this expansion is part of a movement to make more and better products in the United States and in Oklahoma. The success we have enjoyed thus far is due in large part to the strong work ethic, skills and commitment of workers here in southern Oklahoma. We believe our investment in this facility today will continue to offer solid returns for years to come."
Included in this addition will be a state-of-the-art pressurized paint booth, capable of producing an automotive finish. This high-quality system will enable InnovationOne to expand its footprint in the oilfield industry.
New equipment includes: 320-Ton CNC Press Brake, VF-8/40 Vertical-CNC Machining Center, ST-30 Horizontal CNC Turning Lathe, and 10' Heavy Duty CNC Plate Roll. The equipment investment will broaden the facility's abilities and replace aged equipment.
Located in Marietta, InnovationOne is the number one producer of baggage conveyor systems for major airports around the world. InnovationOne received the "Supplier Excellence Award" from Siemens Airport Logistics, recognizing their commitment to quality and customer service.
The company was also awarded the Minority Manufacturer of the Year award by the Oklahoma Native American Business Enterprise Center. Since 2004, the company has increased its revenue from about $4 million to more than $16 million in 2012.
The Chickasaw Nation acquired InnovationOne in 2004, when the company's previous owner announced its plan to close the facility. Since then, the plant has diversified and grown its portfolio of customers to more than 50 large companies, supporting major industries such as airport baggage, distribution centers, oilfields, and military and federal clients.
"The Chickasaw Nation made an acquisition and saved a workforce that would have disappeared," said InnovationOne General Manager, Kent Foster. "It all started with the vision of helping people, building community, and growing an industry. Through that vision the tribe has built a successful company for Marietta and the state."
For more information about InnovationOne visit www.chickasaw.com/innovationone or call (580) 276-3306.
About InnovationOne, LLC
InnovationOne LLC is a SBA-certified 8(a) and HUBZone-certified business that provides sheet steel and structural steel fabrication, as well as precision machining for the Federal Government, oil companies and the private sector. It is located in Marietta, Okla. and ships built-to-order products worldwide.
The Chickasaw Nation With more than 50,000 citizens, the Chickasaw Nation is the 12th largest federally-recognized Indian tribe in the United States. The Chickasaw Nation had an economic impact of more than $2.4 billion in Oklahoma in 2011. The tribe is the seventh largest employer in Oklahoma, with nearly 12,000 employees. A democratic republic with executive, legislative and judicial departments, the tribe's jurisdictional territory includes all or part of 13 counties in south central Oklahoma.
