From Family Roots to Industry Leadership
By Nicole Needles
FOUNDED IN 1964 by Reginald Young outside Worcester, Massachusetts, Husky Rack & Wire, originally known as Wireway, Inc., has grown from humble beginnings to become a prominent name in the material handling industry. Ryan Young, the CEO and grandson of the founder, reflects on the company’s journey and its commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.
From its very beginning, Husky has been the picture of home-grown tenacity and planting seeds that would be sewn for years to come. The material handling industry is abundant with family-owned, operated and founded businesses. Husky Rack & Wire is no exception.
“My grandfather and grandmother, Phyllis, worked tirelessly to build Wireway from the ground up,” Young recounts.
Starting with a handful of employees and focusing on woven wire partitions, the company steadily expanded under the leadership of his father, Ron Young. In 1980, Ron established a second facility in North Carolina marking a pivotal moment in the company’s growth trajectory.
“Today, we operate two expansive manufacturing plants spanning 360,000 square feet,” Young notes proudly, highlighting the significant expansion from the original 14,000 square feet facility in Massachusetts. The acquisition of Husky Systems and the launch of innovative product lines like wire decking have further solidified Husky’s position in the market.
It’s more than its products and services that are making Husky stand out. Like many other family-owned businesses, the intentional and genuine culture is one of the shining stars of this organization. Each person on the team is valued no matter their position or tenure time.
“At Husky Rack & Wire, our strength lies in our family-oriented culture,” Young emphasizes. “Employees are more than just staff; they’re integral members of our extended family.”
This familial atmosphere not only boosts employee retention but also enhances customer relationships.
“Our employees’ dedication ensures exceptional customer service, quick lead times and product quality. In response to changing customer needs, we’ve revamped our product catalog and continue to emphasize a quick ship program,” Young explains. “Efficiency, reliability and short lead times are our promises.” By embracing welded wire technologies and streamlining operations, Husky Rack & Wire ensures flexibility and responsiveness to customer requirements.
The close-knit environment helps these vital areas of the customer journey thrive. Not only is the team tackling the current needs of customers and the industry, but this supportive environment helps the company adapt to evolution. Reflecting on industry changes over the decades, Young acknowledges the shift toward automation in manufacturing processes.
“From handmade woven wire partitions to advanced automated welded wire products, technology has reshaped our production capabilities,” he observes. Despite these advancements, the timeless demand for personalized customer service remains paramount.
With shifting geopolitics, a new administration and workforce gaps among many other hot-button topics in the industry, it’s hard to say what the next several years will bring. One thing is for sure – Husky Rack & Wire will be prepared.
“Over the next five years, we foresee substantial organic growth across all product lines,” Young predicts. The recent establishment of a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to wire products underscores their commitment to expanding capacity and meeting growing demand nationwide. “Reshoring trends and increased emphasis on U.S. supply chain resilience present significant opportunities for our growth,” he adds.
Challenges like hiring skilled labor persist, but Husky’s robust company culture and supportive management mitigate turnover.
“Once onboard, employees tend to stay for the long term,” Young notes, attributing this to a nurturing work environment and effective leadership. “In the current landscape, the resurgence of domestic manufacturing presents immense opportunities,” Young observes optimistically.
As companies reassess supply chain risks post-COVID-19, this organization stands ready to capitalize on the shift towards local sourcing and production.
Husky Rack & Wire’s journey from a small family business to an industry leader reflects its enduring commitment to quality, innovation and customer care. With a strong foundation built on family values and a forward-thinking approach to manufacturing, the company is poised for continued success in an evolving marketplace.
