Control Chief Corporation started making industrial remote controls in Lewis Run, PA in February of 1971. The company began with 8 employees, and a commitment to provide innovation and American craftsmanship to customers all over the world. Eventually, Control Chief relocated to the City of Bradford, to the site of the former Loblaw’s Market, where they currently operate.
Remote control systems for overhead cranes and locomotives are researched, designed, and built from the circuit boards to completion at the company headquarters on Williams Street in Bradford.
As the economy starts to re-open post-pandemic, Control Chief is poised for success, as an increase in the demand in commodities markets, like steel, copper, aggregate, and grain are dependent on the wireless control solutions provided by Control Chief. Through innovation and a commitment to excellence, the company is positioned to increase its visibility as a worldwide leader in wireless solutions.
“The company was founded on the idea that there had to be a better way after observing an overhead crane operator attempting to communicate with hand signals to a worker attaching a load,” said Managing Partner and Chief Technology Officer Jake Bryner, “The vision was to come up with a way to allow the worker to control the crane directly and eliminate the possibility of miscommunication, therefore improving safety throughout the facility.”
Bryner said that Control Chief has continued to innovate since the beginning, switching from early analog electronics to microprocessor-based controls, migrating from tone-based radio communication to modern spread-spectrum radio technology, and integrating highly configurable PC-based controls into their equipment. “Our first priority is always safety, but constant product development allows us to introduce new and updated products to meet our customers’ needs.”
Despite the challenges the previous year presented, Control Chief has led the industry through sales, production, and continued service to customers.
“Control Chief Corporation has built its reputation through strong, long-term relationships with our customers and industry partners. We have a proud history of improving safety and efficiencies in the demanding environments that our industry serves,” said Brian Landries, Managing Partner and Chief Marketing Officer. “As we work to achieve our corporate vision for the next 50 years, we’re taking a moment to reflect on our past, but more importantly to transform ourselves into an even more innovative, sustainable, customer-focused company for the future.”
From its humble beginnings with 8 employees to a staff of nearly 50 today, Control Chief is faithful to their commitments to providing excellent service to its Customer Connected philosophy.
“Throughout the last 50 years, the consistent key to success has been our employees,” said Managing Partner and Chief Financial Officer Tim Bean, “Because we produce a highly technical product, highly skilled individuals with attention to detail are critical.” Bean said that it can be challenging to find people with the right skills, but by creating a family environment, providing good benefits, and respecting and valuing employees and their families, it has allowed Control Chief to be successful in long-term retention. “We are truly grateful for not only our current employees, but for all those who have contributed to the Control Chief mission in the past.”
The company will be celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout 2021 with special events planned for the staff, industry, and sales channel partners. To send Control Chief best wishes on this momentous milestone in the company’s history, please “Like” Control Chief and post your comment on Facebook at www.facebook.com/controlchiefcorp .
About Control Chief Corporation
Control Chief Corporation is an industry leader in the design, manufacture, and service of specialized radio and infrared remote control systems. For the past five decades, Control Chief has provided its customers in North America and internationally with highly reliable control systems for the locomotive and material handling industries.
For more information about Control Chief Corporation, visit www.controlchief.com