Autac 75th Anniversary Celebration in Connecticut
Autac Inc.ย hosted itsย Autac 75th anniversary celebrationย at Bill Millerโs Castle in Branford, Connecticut, honoring its roots as a coiled cord manufacturer founded by Robert N. Burkle in 1947. Company President MarieโLouise Burkle welcomed about 85 guests, including employees and their families, suppliers, industry colleagues, and state Senator Christine Cohen.
She told attendees she felt proud that Autac had reached this milestone and emphasized that no business survives 75 years without strong relationships. She highlighted employees, vendors, and local community leaders as key partners who helped the company not only survive, but thrive.
Autac 75th Anniversary Celebration Honors Employees and Legacy
During theย Autac 75th anniversary celebration, Burkle invited several employees on stage to recognize their contributions and long service. She later said it gives her great pride, as the last Burkle in the company, to carry on her fatherโs legacy and celebrate Autacโs long history in coiled cords.
She added that the day also gave her a chance to give staff the recognition they deeply deserve. Autac continues to manufacture retractile and coiled cords in the U.S., serving customers across North America and beyond.
Vendor Relationships and Small Manufacturer Challenges
In her remarks, Burkle also delivered a candid message about vendor relationships. She noted that while many suppliers support small manufacturers, some vendors can become a companyโs biggest liability, especially when they rely heavily on the โ80โ20 rule,โ where a small group of customers generates most of their business.
She explained that during difficult periods like the Covid years, small manufacturers often face higher order minimums, rising prices, longer lead times, and tougher payment terms. Those pressures can push smaller firms toward bankruptcy, leading her to question how large suppliers can โeat their youngโ and still expect to survive across generations.
Thanking Reliable Partners and Community Support
Burkle stressed that her criticism does not apply to all vendors. She thanked Mexichem (now part ofย Orbia) for acting as a reliable business partner and presented the company with a plaque recognizing its consistent support.
She also explained why Bill Millerโs Castle served as the ideal venue. Her late father and the late Bill Miller both served together in Rotary and the local Chamber of Commerce in 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.
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