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| We drive over manholes everyday, but we might not always remember the value of our infrastructure materials. Luckily, EJIW takes pride in its work of creating quality municipal castings. |
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In recent years, EJIW has become heavily involved in international business opportunities. The EJ Group was formed to provide structure for EJIW and sister companies operating worldwide.
The EJ Group is a world leader in municipal casting solutions. Promoting innovation, quality and a commitment to customer service, the EJ Group has a worldwide commercial presence with nearly 50 sales offices worldwide, including 10 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as multiple research and development centers.
In 2007, EJ Group products were sold in more than 100 nations throughout the world. Its product offering includes items manufactured with gray iron, ductile iron, steel, aluminum, rubber and various composite materials.
“Global competition has forced us to become more efficient, but we have refused to follow a globalization philosophy that holds one size fits all. EJIW has been able to grow by providing product solutions best suited for applications in each market,” Brandell says proudly. “Collaboration with overseas sister companies enables us to identify best practices and develop new and innovative products. We leverage global resources to provide local markets with the most technologically-advanced infrastructure products.”
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| For competing in the municipal casting industry, EJIW produces a wide range of designs with custom messaging, images, security features and drainage options. |
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Reaching such heights in an industry takes more than hard work and dedication; sometimes you need a little help from your friends. That’s when EJIW turns to NUCA for support, and EJIW supports the association in return. “NUCA provides a valuable opportunity to spend time with leaders of the underground utility construction industry,” Brandell says. “No other group spends as much time handling, installing and using our products. We enjoy camaraderie with NUCA members and have formed many multi-generational friendships. Without question, involvement with NUCA makes us a better company.”
EJIW first got involved with NUCA about 40 years ago, working with the Illinois, Michigan and Ohio chapters. In 1980, EJIW began attending and exhibiting at national shows and since then, it’s rare when EJIW misses any event. Currently, EJIW has 18 EJIW personal memberships active in 15 chapters — Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.
“We are honored to be recognized as a NUCA supporter,” says Brandell. “As NUCA members already know, EJIW does not do this alone. We are fortunate to be aligned with the best distribution partners in the industry. Members of the Water and Sewer Distributors of America [WASDA] provide EJIW products to much of the NUCA membership. In some markets we are well represented by members of the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA), who provide EJIW products integral with manufactured concrete structures.”
Now well into its 125th year, EJIW plans on continuing its tradition of family values and supporting causes like NUCA to further provide quality products to its customers.
“In an industry where relationships with customers and vendors are critical for success, our people make all the difference,” says Brandell. “Businesses like EJIW have a unique opportunity to cascade family values throughout the company. For EJIW, a culture of integrity, ethics and honesty is essential to the way business is conducted. It is evident in the way our people care. We recognize that the best way to ensure our success is to ensure the long term success of NUCA members.”
Jason Morgan is associate editor of Utility Contractor.
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