Can-do spirit alive and well at Esterhazy.(MANUFACTURING)

Darrel Tochor, General Manager and one of four local owners of Goodman Industrial in Esterhazy, loves a challenge.

In 1987, when the company he worked for underwent a change in ownership, he took the plunge, purchased his former employer's facility, and started a one-man operation supplying pipe valves and fittings for the potash industry. Today, Goodman Industrial employs about 20 people, has an annual payroll of about $3.5 million, and expects $80 million in sales this year.

"The main reason why Goodman Industrial has been successful is because we never sat still with our product lines," says Tochor.

Early on, the company expanded into pumping and underground equipment to address water problems in the industry, and now has a product development team that works hand-in-hand with mine operators to tackle challenges.

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"We don't consider ourselves to be just a supply company," says Tochor. "We try to be problem-solvers for our clients, and over the years we've saved our clients millions through the proper application of products and by finding new and better lines for the customer."

The most recent innovation is the 18 TD Shuttle Car with self-loading attachment, designed specifically for the potash industry. So far, Goodman Industrial has built two of these ore-hauling machines and expects to build three more this year. The first has already been sent down the mineshaft in pieces for reassembly below-ground.

A key feature of the new shuttle car is its hydrostatic drive. "Water can create brake and transmission problems in typical drive trains used in potash mines. Our new shuttle car will eliminate many of these problems and reduce the number of costly shut-downs," explains Tochor.

To design the car, Tochor put together a team of experts that included a former NASA engineer and a technical expert with years of experience in the underground mining industry in the U.S. Now the team is working on a second underground vehicle--a mancarrier--that applies the same hydrostatic technology. The first prototype should be available shortly.

"We've already been approached by some U.S. companies who are anxious to get the first one on the road. The potential is exciting," says Tochor.

To brighten its future even more, Goodman Industrial will soon market an LED line under the name Enduralite that offers enormous energy-savings potential for industrial and commercial clients. "Although it seems quite a leap, we've had phenomenal response from clients, so we're very optimistic this will open up markets for us throughout the world."

By the end of summer, Goodman Industrial will be in its new 16,000 sq-ft. facility in Esterhazy. "Obviously in our case, our location is excellent. Our overhead is low, transportation is certainly no problem, and it's easy for us to call on our major customers on a daily basis. It works for us, for our clients, and for the local economy.

"It's a beneficial relationship all around."

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