CLARKS SUMMIT — Ronco Machine, Inc., a company specializing in machine design and remodeling, custom manufacturing and rebuilds, and field technical services, will be featured during a two-minute production on the paid-program Manufacturing Marvels on the Fox Business Network at approximately 9:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.

Ronco Machine, Inc. has been located in Clarks Summit since January. The office had previously been located in Lake Winola since the mid 1980s.

“We were one company — Ronco Machine and Rigging — and in December 2013, we split into two different companies: Ronco Machine, Inc. and Icon, Inc. (Industrial Construction Services and Design) located in Lake Winola,” company president Brad Reeves said.

Reeves believes the company’s ability to troubleshoot potential issues separates it from others around the country.

“We can think outside of the box with our engineering staff,” he said. “We take on one-time projects with little or no information as far as customer-supplied drawings. Often times, we will go into a customer’s facility and provide the solution to their problem. Other times, a customer has an idea they want to pursue and we’re all about problem solving.”

According to Reeves, there has been large growth in the company since he joined the business 30 years ago.

“When I first started, there were about six employees,” he said. “Now, between the two companies there are around 150.”

Reeves feels the decision to begin paper converting has played a role in the company’s growth.

“The paper converting business started with our owner and founder, Ron Avery, in 1985,” Reeves said. “We built custom machinery here in Clarks Summit that would roll paper towels, toilet paper, napkins and other paper products. Even if times are tough, people still buy paper. It’s not as affected by recessions as some industries are so it’s been a pretty solid business in that regard.”

Reeves added the entire process is completed with equipment made in the Clarks Summit location.

“It starts with paper mills on a machine that makes a large roll of paper called a parent roll,” he said. “That roll is then placed into a piece of equipment that slits it and turns it into smaller rolls for consumer use. We built all the equipment that takes it from the parent roll to the finished product.”

“We’re a relatively small company and our main competition comes from Europe,” he added. “European companies are dominating the paper machinery business. Being exposed as a United States manufacturer of custom-designed equipment on a national level will surely help us grow.”

A core winding machine used to roll paper towels at Ronco Machine, Inc. in Clarks Summit.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ112515Ronco1.jpg.optimal.jpgA core winding machine used to roll paper towels at Ronco Machine, Inc. in Clarks Summit. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

A multicolor decorator used for napkin and paper towel designs at Ronco Machine, Inc. in Clarks Summit.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ112515Ronco3.jpg.optimal.jpgA multicolor decorator used for napkin and paper towel designs at Ronco Machine, Inc. in Clarks Summit. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

A MCC (Motor Control Center) panel at Ronco Machine Inc. in Clarks Summit.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ112515Ronco4.jpg.optimal.jpgA MCC (Motor Control Center) panel at Ronco Machine Inc. in Clarks Summit.Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Andrew Sucheski, a senior mechanical designer at Ronco Machine Inc. in Clarks Summit, works on a fabrication drawing.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ112515Ronco5.jpg.optimal.jpgAndrew Sucheski, a senior mechanical designer at Ronco Machine Inc. in Clarks Summit, works on a fabrication drawing. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal
Ronco Machine Inc. to be featured on Fox Business Network

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

 

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.