Eileen Mozinski Schmidt Rite-Hite celebrates 50 years
It all began as a start-up and after a half century of operation, Rite-Hite has grown and transformed into a company with a global presence in loading dock equipment and other industrial products. “Where we were once known as the ‘loading dock and door company’, today we are a solution provider at the loading dock and inside the plant,” wrote Sara Everts, corporate marketing and communications manager for Rite-Hite, in an email to Material Handling Wholesaler.
“We want to make sure our customers know the breadth of what we can provide,” she said, noting that Rite-Hite strives to provide “high quality, innovative products and services” designed to improve safety, security and productivity.
Rite-Hite bills itself as a world leader in the manufacture, sale and service of loading dock equipment, industrial doors, safety barriers, HVLS fans, industrial curtain walls and more, according to the website.
The company is headquartered in Milwaukee and marked its 50th anniversary in 2015. Rite-Hite was founded by Art White, and is now owned and operated by his son, Mike White. While Art White managed the challenges of launching a new business, his son has overseen the expansion of the operation, Everts said.
“Through innovation, acquisitions and a lot of hard work from devoted employees, Rite Hite is now a worldwide force at the loading dock and inside the plant,” she wrote.
Also in 2015, Rite-Hite’s DOK-LOK® trailer restraint turned 35. It protects against several types of trailer separation and after its 1980 launch quickly became an industry standard, according to Rite-Hite’s site.
Other innovations from the company include: SAFE-T-LIP® hydraulic dock leveler; the Global Wheel-Lok™ wheel restraint; the FasTrax® high speed door; the Eclipse™ loading dock seal; the Revolution HVLS Fan; and the Dok-Guardian.
The business serves customers around the world and has representatives in the form of Rite-Hite-owned businesses and independent distributors in many countries, according to Everts. “Our distribution model centers on providing a local rep that is trained by Rite-Hite to understand our culture as well as our products, and these reps are trained to sell, install and service Rite-Hite products,” she said.
The business has almost 2,000 employees and partners with more than 30 representative organizations in 100 locations, the web site reported. Rite-Hite offers consultations, education and demonstrations to each individual customer, according to Everts.
In the US, local contacts are stationed in every state either as independent distributors or through Arbon Equipment, one of Rite-Hite’s companies.
One of the challenges for Rite-Hite going forward is helping the customers who increasingly self-educate through the internet and other sources make informed purchasing decisions. This can be achieved through continuing education and consultation efforts, Everts wrote.
“Once people understand the risks and benefits related to the purchase of a certain product, then they make the best decisions,” she said.
In the future, Rite-Hite will continue to strive to connect with customers at the right time so long-term partnerships can be formed. “Our big goal is to be viewed as a premier supplier of high quality product and service solutions and to maintain a reputation for integrity in all that we do,” Everts said.
Eileen Schmidt is a freelance writer and journalist based in the Greater Milwaukee area. She has written for print and online publications for the past 12 years. Email [email protected] or visit eileenmozinskischmidt.wordpress.com to contact Eileen.
