Earlier this month, we celebrated the 45th anniversary of AZO Incorporated! It was truly a momentous occasion as we were joined by all those who have contributed to the success of the organization - particularly the achievements of the past five years. There was much to celebrate and be thankful for.
The AZO success story is a testament to the power of teamwork. It is through the combined efforts of our customers, owners, vendors, and, most importantly, our employees that AZO Inc. has flourished. Five years ago, during our 40th anniversary, we spoke of a fresh direction filled with new energy and innovative approaches. 5 years later, that vision has come to life and transformed into a different, yet fundamentally the same, company rooted in our rich history.
The AZO story began in Osterburken, Germany, in 1948, with the Zimmermann family's manufacturing company. Known for innovative designs and a passion for ingredients, AZO quickly became a leading supplier of material handling technology across Europe. In 1978, the Zimmermanns expanded their horizons to the United States, choosing Memphis, Tennessee, thanks to a long-standing and successful partnership with the Moore family. This foundation laid the groundwork for AZO Incorporated, which continues to thrive 45 years later.
Reflecting on the past five years, we have seen four of the highest growth years in our history. We have successfully completed numerous large and technically challenging projects, including a landmark success in the pet food industry, our largest project to date. However, our proudest achievement lies in the ever-growing team that makes AZO a workplace and company to be proud of.
AZO Inc. has consistently been recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Memphis. A testament to our commitment to a fair work/life balance—a core principle of our company culture rooted in our German heritage. We believe that happy employees beget happy customers.
The past five years have not been without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes, particularly to our office culture. We embraced a hybrid office model, realizing that flexibility and choice in the workplace significantly boost productivity. This adaptation has been key to our continued success.
Succession planning has also been a significant focus. As the next generation takes on the bulk material handling industry, education is embedded in our culture, and we invest in employee education to ensure we have the best team in the business. Training begins on day one and never stops, as there is always something new to learn at AZO.
As we look to the future, we are confident in our new management team. Our internal development programs have prepared Casey King, Nina Dias, Sara Rush, Mike Miller, and Christian Keilbach to take on new challenges and responsibilities. Their dedication to growing and improving our company gives us great optimism for what lies ahead.
We believe that happy customers are essential to success. At AZO, we don’t just sell equipment; we build lasting partnerships with our customers, ensuring their ongoing success and, consequently, our own.
Here's to 45 years of proven success, numerous accomplishments, and a bright future for the entire AZO team in Memphis. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to many more years of innovation, growth, and success.