Vektek is Poised to Celebrate 40 Years in Emporia

Vektek is a global leader in hydraulic and pneumatic clamping devices based in Emporia. Since 1986, the company has worked with automotive manufacturers, agricultural equipment producers, and other firms worldwide to improve their operations. Not only is Vektek a trusted firm by its clients, but it was also named Kansas Exporter of the Year in 2015.

“Every car you drive likely has at least one part that has been touched by a Vektek clamp,” says Reese Johnson, General Manager at Vektek.

The company continues to innovate to meet the changing needs of the manufacturers it serves. Vektek has introduced more than 100 new products since 2018 and hires local engineers ready to solve its clients’ problems. Learn more about this little-known company in Emporia that has a global impact. 

Vektek Stands Out With Quality Products and Exceptional Service

Vektek is not only a trusted name in manufacturing supplies but also a leader in its field. Johnson explains that the organization’s commitment to quality helps maintain client relationships through the years, while its responsive customer service team assists with innovation.

“We want to do whatever we can to fulfill orders and meet customer needs as fast as possible,” he says.  

Emporia’s location in the heart of Kansas – which is already in the center of the United States – makes it a perfect place to reach any domestic client, and particularly the automotive and agricultural manufacturers in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

“We can access the entire country because we’re right here in the middle,” says Johnson. “We can get to either coast in the same amount of time, allowing us to support the entire nation.”

In addition to its Emporia operations, Vektek has facilities in Brazil, China, and Mexico and partners in Canada, Germany, and India.

Vektek Boasts 100 Employees and a Low Turnover Rate   

Johnson says that out of Emporia's roughly 100 employees, he only expects to lose a few workers to turnover each year. He has been with the company for 23 years, but works alongside people who have been with the facility for more than 45 years. While Vektek officially opened in 1986, it had previously been a machine shop, and many employees stayed on when the company transitioned to its current brand.  

“When you work at Vektek, you are cared for as a person, not a number,” says Johnson. “We are very family-oriented. If you need to adjust your hours because of an emergency or to watch your kids at a Little League game, we’re here to work with you. We want to make sure our employees have a healthy work-life balance.”

The low turnover rates at Vektek speak to this commitment to culture and a positive work environment.

Vektek frequently hires CNC operators and occasionally needs qualified assemblers. It works closely with Flint Hills Technical College to develop coursework that prepares students to succeed in the local workforce. Vektek also donates to the college’s manufacturing scholarship fund.  

Johnson Keeps Vektek Involved in the Emporia Community

While many people might not realize the impact Vektek has on international manufacturing production, more people are starting to notice this organization locally. Johnson is involved in the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and serves on the advisory board for the Emporia Public Schools engineering and applied mathematics pathways.

Johnson also enjoys giving tours of Vektek to students and members of the community. “I like showing them how high-tech the manufacturing industry is today,” he explains. “Our facility is clean and modern. When thinking about a manufacturing facility, most people will picture a dirty machine shop, and that is not what we are.”

Not only has Vektek had a stable presence in Emporia for nearly 40 years, but it has also grown over time. Assistance from the Chamber and the Emporia Regional Development Association (RDA) has allowed the company to reach its full potential. 

See Which Industries Are Thriving in Emporia 

Vektek is just one manufacturing firm that has found success in Emporia. Glendo is another organization that is trusted globally for its quality products and excellent customer care. Manufacturers have success in Emporia because of the local training programs and dedicated workforce. Discover other industries and major employers that choose Emporia for their growth.

This town is more than just at the center of the country. It is filled with people who are eager to get things done.