Torklift Central recently expanded its shop on the 4,700-square-foot lot behind its original building at 315 Central Ave. N, Kent.
The company’s founders also were honored at a celebration to commemorate the expansion.
“I had no idea when I started the little shop 37 years ago that it would grow to become what it is today,” said company founder Jon Kay. “And we all know who the driving force is and the gambler who brought it to this point and that is Jack Kay. This is my son and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Torklift officials said production and manufacturing of new products will expand into the back shop and continue to grow the company to become a key player in the RV industry.
Employees honored their leadership during the celebration.
“We would not be here if it weren’t for Jon and Peggy Kay,” said Torklift Central General Manager Matt Lynch. “Their hard work and dedication has not gone unrecognized and has helped make us who we are today.”
Lynch presented Jon Kay with a shadow box containing a gold plated FastGun and the product patents. Jon Kay is the inventor of the FastGun turnbuckle, a staple product in the Torklift line.
At the end of the celebration, an award was presented to Jon and Jack Kay. Employees privately created the award, which was not unveiled until the event.
“The ‘Torklift Tenacity’ award is a tradition started by the employees and each year. A new person who demonstrates tenacity within the company will have their name inscribed on the award,” said Rick Shafer, Torklift Central RV general manager.
The award is a hand-blown glass torch.
“It’s the people who make an organization,” said VP of Operations Jack Kay at the conclusion of the event. “It’s you, it’s what you do every day when you get up in the morning.”
Torklift Central is in its 37th year of business. The company, which began as a small hitch and tow shop, has grown into an RV dealership as well as an international company through the creation of the SuperHitch, FastGun and True Frame Mounted Tie Down lines.
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LINK: torkliftcentral.com/
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