Autac 75th Anniversary Celebration in Branford
Autac Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of coiled cords founded by Robert N. Burkle in 1947, hosted itsย Autac 75th anniversary celebrationย at Bill Millerโs Castle in Branford, Connecticut. Company president Marie Burkle welcomed about 85 guests, including employees and their families, suppliers, industry colleagues, and state Senator Christine Cohen.
She told attendees she felt deep pride in how far the company has come. She also stressed that no business reaches 75 years without strong relationships with employees, vendors, and local community leaders, noting that their support helped Autac both survive and thrive.
Autac 75th Anniversary Celebration Honors Employees and Legacy
During theย Autac 75th anniversary celebration, Burkle called several employees forward to recognize their contributions and longโterm commitment. She later said she feels proud, as the last Burkle in the company, to carry on her fatherโs legacy and sees the milestone as a meaningful reason to celebrate.
She added that the day also gave her a chance to give staff the recognition they โso deeply deserve.โ Autac continues to design and manufacture retractile and coiled cords in Branford, serving a wide range of customers and applications.
Candid Reflections on Vendor Relationships
In her speech, Burkle also spoke frankly about vendor relationships. She noted that while many suppliers support small manufacturers, others can become a major liability, especially when they lean heavily on the โ80โ20 rule,โ where a small group of customers generates most of their business.
She explained that during difficult periods, such as the recent Covid years, small companies often face higher minimum orders, rising prices, extended lead times, and tougher payment terms. Those pressures can push smaller businesses toward bankruptcy, leading her to question how large suppliers can โeat their youngโ and still expect to survive for future generations.
Thanking Supportive Partners and Community Ties
Burkle emphasized that her criticism does not apply to all vendors. She thanked Mexichem (now part ofย Orbia) for being a reliable business partner and presented the company with a plaque recognizing its consistently strong support.
She also shared why Bill Millerโs Castle felt like the right venue. Her late father and the late Bill Miller served together in Rotary and the local Chamber of Commerce during the 1960s and 1970s. Burkle said Miller strongly supported her when she led the North Branford Chamber, and that both he and the Castle hold a special place in her heart.
