Bronze niche differentiates Magnolia Metal plant
by Richard D. Brown

Fifty years after moving its foundry and machine shop operations from New Jersey to Nebraska and utilizing the state’s first industrial revenue bonds to construct its Auburn, Neb., plant, Magnolia Metal Corp.’s President and CEO Adam M. Koslosky admits the 100,000-square-foot production facility that has $33 million in annual sales is not a known household name throughout the state.
“Less than 1 percent of our products are sold here in Nebraska,” he said.
Koslosky, one of nine owners of the plant — eight of whom are from Nebraska — believes Magnolia Metal Corp. differentiates itself from most other manufacturers nationally by remaining one of the dwindling number of plants to specialize in bronze castings.
The 85-employee firm does bronze castings and alloys, semi-finished machined bronze as well as completely finished bronze.


DGI Supply’s acquisition of Midwest Industrial Tools boosting capabilities
by Michelle Leach

Midwest Industrial Tools has more than doubled its geographic footprint, brought back its machine tool business and, after 10 years of trying, has implemented the integrated supply approach, thanks to its being acquired last year by DGI Supply, an arm of national, Chicago area-based manufacturer DoALL Co.
“Interestingly, I wasn’t exploring the opportunity,” said Allan Chartier, formerly president and CEO of MIT, now director of special projects at DGI Supply. “Their senior vice president came to me, and we’ve known each other for over 20 years.”
The SVP knew Chartier was going to be in Chicago for a meeting. So the wheels were set in motion for the longtime leader of the Omaha-based full-service industrial distributor of maintenance, repair, operations and production tooling and industrial supplies to meet with senior management for lunch.


Growth around region prompts Airgas to open new branch in Lincoln market
by Michelle Leach

With the new year came a new office for Airgas, as its 12,000-square-foot location opened in the capital city to meet local demand for the Pennsylvania-based industrial, medical and specialty gases distribution services, and its hard goods, including welding equipment and supplies.
“This area was being serviced out of Omaha, but it got to the point where there were enough customers to justify putting a branch here,” said Branch Manager Doug Keitges, who had (with other Airgas employees) formerly been making the daily commute from his Lincoln home to the Omaha Airgas store.
In addition to the new Lincoln location at 4016 Progressive Ave. and the Omaha store at 10433 J St., Airgas also has branches in Hastings, Council Bluffs, Sioux City and Fort Dodge, Iowa.



Under new name, leadership Midland transforms academic, support offerings
by Michelle Leach

Significant change has been in the air for more than a few days, but for a few years at Midland University, having rebranded itself from Midland Lutheran College starting in 2010. The outward and inward changes that have gone with this “rebirth” have contributed to the nearly 130-year-old Fremont-based liberal arts college expanding its enrollment by 76 percent from 208 to 366 new students for a total of more than 900 students, according to Midland information...

Employers promoting programs to help keep boomers, other employees healthy
by Lori McGinnis Black

Many companies today take an active role in the good health of their employees, and as workers age health issues can become more of a concern. More businesses are encouraging their employees to practice healthy lifestyles so they stay healthy once they start nearing retirement age...

Lutz & Co. sees demand increase, adds staff, newly-designed offices
by Michelle Leach

Growth at Lutz & Co., in part due to increasing opportunities to serve its niche of middle-market organizations, has allowed the CPA and consulting firm to add staff, move to a new office at 13616 California St. in Omaha, and draw local and national recognition for its work environment, according to Managing Partner Gary C. Witt...

Former attorney Wolford drives up Spirit World sales since ownership
by Barbie Mully

Acquiring ownership of Spirit World in 2008, Laurie Hellbusch Wolford has increased sales across the board each year since. Practicing law for three years prior to owning a specialty wine and spirits store and gourmet deli, Wolford found herself spending more and more time learning about her hobby — food and wine...

Omaha’s Intertwine Interactive seeks to build its niche in online marketing
by Megan E. Holt

Jake Messerly, president and founder of Intertwine Interactive, an online marketing firm in Omaha’s Mastercraft Building, and his staff have been working to meet demand from companies that want to boost their online marketing strategies...

New technology helps Premier Countertops of Omaha compete in industry
by Lee Nelson

Lasers and digital cameras have become the new way to template countertops at Premier Countertops in Omaha, which has enabled the business to weather the down economy. Machinery with lasers can cut granite as if it were butter, said owner Mory Ludwick...

Greta’s Gourmet builds customer base with homemade deli meats, sausages
by Lee Nelson

Open for almost a year now, Greta’s Gourmet has been developing a customer base as a Lincoln butcher shop that offers hand-crafted foods including homemade sausage and deli meats...