| Product
diversity keeps Nibley company stable in recession
By Candice
Mattson
April 20, 2009 | NIBLEY--In the midst
of the recession, one company in Nibley remains hopeful.
EK Ekcessories, a company that produces and sells a
variety of accessory products, is stable and looking
ahead for the future.
"We're in a solid position
right now," said production-personnel manager Brian
Blotter. He added that EK Ekcessories is a debt-free
private company, making it somewhat resistant to the
recession. However, they haven't been entirely immune
and there have been some effects of the economy on the
company, he said.
"The thing is, we are feeling
a little pinch from the economy, but we're going pretty
good still," he added. "The vibe is pretty positive."
EK Ekcessories currently has 54 employees,
which is down from the estimated 95 that were employed
last year.
"I wouldn't say all of the
job losses have been because of the slowdown," said
Blotter. He added that he hadn't hired anyone since
October and some people had quit because of change of
schedules. The company also stopped running their night
crew, which was mostly made of students who worked after
school.
However, EK Ekcessories grew in profit
10 percent in January of this year as compared to January
of last year.
"Overall, we're down about
11 percent year to date compared to last year. Compared
to other companies who are at 40-50 percent, we feel
good."
According to Blotter, the reason
for this is because the company is so diversified. EK
Ekcessories sells a variety of products such as dog
collars, eye wear retainers, lanyards and motor sports
accessories. The company is also a global company, with
many accounts all over the world.
Blotter noted that EK recently "nailed
down really good accounts" with PetSmart, and an account
with Honda Canada with their motor sports products.
He noted that these accounts are important, because
"these are ongoing accounts, not just one order."
The company is also coming out with
two new products under a new division, XTRAi. The technology
behind these products is a wireless laser-censored device
can be mounted on top of bike racks and on the back
of a trailer or other large vehicle. If activated because
they are too close on an object, the censor triggers
an alarm on the remote plugged into the power outlet
inside the car.
"XTRAi is our big push for
this year," said Blotter. Yakima and Thule, two bike
rack companies, have shown interest in them.
"Ours is the only wireless
device," Blotter said, adding what makes the censors
special is that they are movable, so they can be mounted
anywhere.
EK Ekcessories came up with the concept
for these censors and is working with a firm in Salt
Lake City to make the products.
With the conception of these new
products, EK Ekcessories is remaining hopeful and looking
forward toward the future.
"We're not going anywhere.
We're still making a profit," said Blotter, with a smile.
EK Ekcessories was founded in 1985
by Ed Kalbach and is currently located on 3200 South
in Nibley. More information can be found at www.ekusa.com.
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