The Hytrol Story

Today, the Hytrol Distributor Council continues to be an important line of communication between the company and the distributor network. 1971 saw other exciting changes and happenings. In June, the St. Louis Stockyard achieved a record of shipping every order “on time.” It was the first time the Stockyard had ever shipped one-hundred percent! The sales team continued to provide sales schools to help educate the distributors on Hytrol’s products and services. There was even a special school held for the Hytrol Family. Sixteen “students” from sales and engineering attended the school which was held over a weekend (so it wouldn’t interfere with business!). More and more, Hytrol was beginning to delve deeper into the design and production of larger conveyor systems. Additional employees were being hired in Jonesboro and St. Louis in the production, sales, engineering, and Stockyard areas to help with the increase of orders. The “Pillar of Wisdom” honor was continuing to be awarded to distributors when they reached that certain pinnacle. The distributor representative and spouse still came to Jonesboro and were honored in a special ceremony. The pillar sign was unveiled to the applause of all Hytrol employees.Toward the end of 1971, Tom decided to move the entire sales operation back to Jonesboro. Sam Leone was attending a material handling convention in Miami, Florida, and Tom telephoned him there. Although surprised, he quickly agreed to the move. In December, 1971, the sales team made the move back to Jonesboro. A small team remained behind in St. Louis to run the Stockyard. In addition to Hytrol’s monthly newsletter, the Hi-Lites, Hytrol also occasionally published a newspaper-sized tabloid entitled the Hytrol “Daily Courier.” It wasn’t “daily” by any means as it was only printed on special occasions such as conventions or other important occasions or announcements. The December 1971 issue was emblazoned with the headline, “Big 25th Year Plans Unveiled by Hytrol-Include Expansion.” Beneath the headline, a smiling Tom Loberg proclaimed, “Most important year in our 25-year history coming.” Twenty-five years since Tom made that first conveyor for Les Jarlsberg. . .It hardly seemed possible. But, would 1972 indeed be an important year for Hytrol? Even as the “Daily Courier” went to press, Tom, Sam, and Ralph couldn’t help but wonder. 1971 ended with improvements in order processing and shipments. Communications with Hytrol’s distributors also showed improvement. However, there was only a slight increase in volume when compared with the previous year. Total sales reached just under $4 million.