The Hytrol Story

It only took two days to make the decision to move to Arkansas. Tom and Chuck returned to Jonesboro and selected a site for the new Hytrol plant. It was just east of the city in the newly designated industrial area. An architect was contacted, and the building was designed and approved. From “D-Day” to the final selection of a new home for Hytrol took only ten weeks. Construction was started and completed in just 90 days. The 26,000 sq. ft. building was finished and ready for occupancy on December 3, 1962, less than six months since Tom’s “D-Day.” During construction, Chuck Loberg relocated to Jonesboro while Tom stayed behind at West Allis. A temporary office was set up for Hytrol in the McAdams Trust Building in downtown Jonesboro. It is good to note that two local Jonesboro bankers gave Hytrol some early help during the company’s impending move. Charles Frierson, Jr., and Herbert McAdams helped Tom and Hytrol out during this time by offering advice and support. While the construction was moving along at a good pace, Chuck Loberg was handling some of the community relations. One day, Chuck had been invited to speak at the Jonesboro Kiwanis Club meeting, and tell everyone about the new company that was coming to town. One of the officers of the Kiwanis Club was Phil Jones, a Jonesboro accountant. Phil’s job was to entertain the guest speaker before he spoke in an attempt to relax him. Phil introduced him and Chuck went on to talk about Hytrol to the members of the Kiwanis Club. The next day, Chuck Loberg physically bumped into Phil Jones as the two were entering the old Citizens Bank building, now known as the Bank of America. Sometimes, pure luck brings someone into a company. These people, through the years, provide invaluable services and guidance to the firm. Their expertise in handling a particular aspect of the business rewards the company with continued growth. Chuck asked Phil if they could meet the next day with his brother, Tom Loberg. “We’re going to need an accountant,” Chuck said. Of course, Phil Jones answered “Yes,” and so began a very long relationship between Phil and Hytrol. Phil was to eventually become Hytrol’s accountant, vice-president of finance and administration, and later, vice-chairman of the board. Tom was handling the final phase of the move to Jonesboro, which included selling the West Allis facility. Still, it was important to Tom to keep in touch with all the activity in Jonesboro. He had always been interested in flying. With no commercial airline service available from West Allis to Jonesboro, Tom decided to obtain a private pilot license. He took flying lessons and quickly acquired his license. Hytrol leased a single engine Bonanza airplane, and it wasn’t long before Tom had soloed. He immediately began building up flying hours as he traveled between West