Alliance Junior Board visits Fratco

Details

Published: Monday, 14 November 2016 21:59

FRANCESVILLE – Alliance Bank’s Junior Board of Directors visited a Francesville business, Fratco, last month.

E.C. Overmyer purchased what was then the Francesville Brick and Tile Company, circa de 1923. In the past 93 years, Fratco has passed through three generations of the Overmyer family.

Junior Board members and employees of Alliance Bank listen attentively to Bill Champion, Fratco director of operations, speak about the history of  the local pipe manufacturing facility. With him are Shane Pilarski (right), Junior Board of Directors co-advisor and interim Alliance Bank president and Cathie Williams, Alliance Bank’s Francesville office manager.

One of many interactive portions of the tour, Junior Board members feel the plastic material used to make the famous Fratco piping.

Coiled piping, ready for shipment to eager customers.

It is now owned and operated by Chris Overmyer, CEO. Fratco is known for its work ethic and family values. Chris himself is often spotted working in the factory with fellow employees.

Today Fratco has locations in Francesville (headquarters), Mt. Pleasant, Iowa (manufacturing), and St. Anne, Ill. (sales and manufacturing). Fratco manufacturers piping that is used for drainage within agricultural fields.

However, the piping has also proven to be a valuable resource for large municipal and commercial projects as electric and technology wiring conduit; hence today’s reference to the product as piping versus tile.

During the Junior Board’s visit, members were graciously conversant with Fratco’s director of operations, Bill Champion. After an informational discussion of the company’s history and a brief Q & A session, students were guided on a tour through the manufacturing facility.

While touring, students had the opportunity to meet Chris Overmyer who was getting his own hands dirty ensuring products were being held to the company’s high standards. As members were escorted throughout the factory, the sense of family and strong work ethic became more prominent.

Fratco’s mission is to provide a quality product produced by close-to-home employees. Each pipe must be held to incredible standards or Overmyer will personally fix it.

The Junior Board members not only learned about the history and progress of Fratco through their last 93 years, but also the importance of having a strong work ethic and appreciation for the small town we all call home.

Alliance Bank is a Real Community Bank ® with offices in Francesville, Monon, Monticello, Otterbein, Oxford, Rensselaer, and Winamac.