St. Louis-based Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. has announced that the company was named to the esteemed Inc. 5000 list, a compilation of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. This is the company’s first year on the list.
Inc. 5000 is the most comprehensive list of entrepreneurial forces driving the U.S. economy and fastest-growing privately-owned companies. Businesses are ranked according to their percentage revenue growth over a three year period.
Schaeffer ranked number 4,684 on the list with a growth rate of 12 percent over the last three years. The company, which has 10 warehouse facilities with 15 division sales managers supervising 500 sales representatives, sells its products in 55 countries, including a recent expansion to Europe, China and the Pacific Rim.
Increased demand for Schaeffer products has prompted the company to add a second production facility. Earlier this year, Schaeffer purchased a site from the nearby Hager Companies. The 60,000 square foot facility provides the capacity for future growth. The second plant, designed to ensure continuity of supply and to meet the company’s disaster planning needs, will serve the needs of Schaeffer and their customers well into the future. Schaeffer Manufacturing anticipates sales to exceed $88M in 2010.
Founded in 1839, Schaeffer is still family owned after six generations and is recognized as the oldest St. Louis business and one of the oldest companies named to this year’s list. Schaeffer built its reputation as the largest provider of soap and candles west of the Mississippi, selling “Boss” laundry bar soap and “Star” candles. Its legendary “Black Beauty” grease was used by Americans traveling west and miners in Alaska.
Today, Schaeffer’s synthetic lubricants and fuel additives provide heavy duty equipment owners with the lowest total cost of owning and operating their equipment. Diesel Treat Premium Brand diesel fuel is available through Schaeffer's nationwide network of independent fuel marketers and truck stops that fuel trucking, construction and farming across America.
The company’s Wet Sol Surfactant is a soil penetrant and spreader sticker that is improving crop yields for farmers nationwide. Schaeffer’s specialty formulated racing oils reduce friction and wear, increase engine efficiency and extend the life of high performance gasoline engines for the nation’s top race car drivers.
“We are 171-years-young and Schaeffer remains a progressive company in its industry,” noted Jay Schaeffer Shields, president. “It is a great honor to be named to Inc. 5000’s list of growing enterprises and an extraordinary accomplishment for our company and its associates. Through our dedication, expertise and passion, Schaeffer and its people will continue to provide quality products and exceptional service for our customers for years to come.”
Shields credits product innovation and listening to customers and associates as the key to the company’s long-term success. “Specialty products like SoyShield, Arctic Shield Ultra Low Sulfur Concentrate, Citrol and VarniShield all developed out of requests from clients to solve a particular problem,” he added. “We listen to our customers and they know they can count on us to deliver exceptional performance.” Shields says he’s proud that Schaeffer is family owned, American made and globally focused.
