All of life’s milestones — welcoming a child, birthdays, anniversaries and others — carry great sentimental value for most people. The business world has its own milestones and Modineer of Niles has reached a tremendous one this year by marking 75 years in operation.

The Niles-Buchanan Chamber of Commerce recognized the engineering and fabrication company Thursday at a business after-hours event.

According to the company’s history, Paul Dreher started Modern Engineering Products in 1940 out of his garage. Although the name later evolved, the philosophy the company was built on really hasn’t changed at all. It centers on three simple principles: listen to the customers, respond quickly and focus on quality.

Although the third generation of the family now leads what has grown into one of the largest employers in Michiana, company leaders say that the key to success has been adhering to those basic principles.

Seventy-five years is certainly a milestone worth celebrating and the company should be congratulated for its commitment to the community, to its workforce and its customers.

Other businesses both big and small — and across the entire region — should be able to understand how difficult an accomplishment this is and learn from Modineer’s success. Whether it is in heavy industry, retail, food service or some other business, the three foundation points Modineer focuses on provide a significant blueprint for success.

Thank you to Modineer for being a community leader for 75 years and here is looking toward the next 75 years.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.