NEW BRITAIN - If anyone invited to Okay Industry's 40th birthday bash on Tuesday thought the conversation would center on the bailout crisis or how Mainland China is trying to cut into America's high technology sector, they were in for a surprise.

It was smiles all around as owner Greg Howey recalled the company's early years; he even talked about the need for expansion.

"We're bursting at the seams and looking for nearby space," he said.

Okay's 150 workers manufacture surgical devices, automotive and aerospace components, fire-protection gear, motor parts and M-16 magazines. Tuesday they celebrated the company's anniversary with food, drink and laughter. One honored guest, Mayor Timothy Stewart, nailed one reason for the company's success (annual sales have been estimated as high as $25 million).

"Greg knows how to diversify," said Stewart. "He's always one step ahead of the next slumping market."

Stewart said he remembered growing up in the Ellis Street neighborhood. However, as mayor of a comeback city he preferred to talk about the New Britain of today as a business-friendly community.

Howey, who purchased the company in 1990, has helped sustain Okay's reputation as a major supplier of metal stampings supporting the automotive, medical, military and commercial markets.

Under the Howeys' leadership - father and son, Jason - Okay participates in the state-sponsored Apprenticeship School to Career programs for potential tool-and-die makers and designers. Employees are encouraged to become involved in community service in the city.

Howey is eager to give his employees credit.

"From the start we made it our practice to hire good citizens first, then provide them with the skills they needed to succeed on the job," he said.

Wanda Garcia, quality assurance inspector, might be representative of many Okay employees. Garcia, 51, a New Britain High School graduate, joined the company in 1975 right after high school. She never left. As manufacturing became more sophisticated, she acquired the skills necessary to become an even more valuable employee.

Howey likes to talk about his company's strong customer relationships, investing Okay's research and development dollars in anticipation of customers' expanding needs.

"We become as important to them as they are to us," he said.
"Okay Industries shows you what a medium-sized, high-tech manufacturer can accomplish in terms of work quality, profitability, and taking a positive role in the community," said Bill Millerick, president of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce.

Ten years ago, The Herald wrote that "as a team Okay employees have taken one small New Britain company to an even higher level of excellence." They intended to keep moving up then, and it appears one decade later they are making good on that intention.

Scott Whipple can be reached at swhipple@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, ext. 319.