Here at Reata Engineering, we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary as a trusted contract manufacturing company. Since our founding in 1993, we’ve grown to employ a team of 45 and invested in 15 CNC production machines. And we’re still going strong.
Now, our services accommodate customers through the entire manufacturing process, from design to fulfillment. Our specialized capabilities, such as 5-axis machining, make even the most complicated requests achievable and affordable.
It’s hard to believe that 30 years ago, Reata Engineering was just a dream.
The Early Years at Reata
Anyone who’s worked in engineering knows a strong foundation is key to success. Reata Engineering has Grady Cope. After beginning his career as a diesel mechanic, Grady realized he wanted to pursue a different path and earned a degree in mechanical engineering.
Degree in hand, Grady took a risk, charging a used manual lathe and mill to his credit card. He worked nights to get Reata off the ground, and it paid off. The next year, he hired his first employee—the first of many.
Grady continued to invest in his employees and his machines. He purchased his first CNC mill in 1994 and expanded with seven more machines by 2001. These machines were top-of-the-line and included an Okuma Crown SB Lathe nicknamed Betty.
Steady growth brought Reata to 2004, when the company moved into our current 25,000-square-foot building. The new space presented opportunities for new machines and new ways to grow. We took off from there.
In the past five years, we’ve doubled our revenue, and we generated $9 million in revenue last year. That brings the grand total to over $100 million since our company’s founding, marking 30 years of satisfied customers.
The Key to Success in Contract Manufacturing
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from 30 years as a contract manufacturing company, it’s that the customer comes first. At Reata, we pride ourselves on our unwavering dedication to customer service and addressing issues promptly.
How prompt? Well, once, after a customer across the country reported a problem, Grady got on a plane from Colorado and was on their doorstep the following morning to provide assistance. In the words of the customer: “Our vendors down the street don’t get here that fast!”
That’s the kind of dedication we have at Reata.
Our willingness to go the extra mile—though we’ll usually just give you a call—is a big reason for our success. Our customers know we’ll never leave them hanging, and that kind of unparalleled customer service sets us apart in the manufacturing industry.
We’ve been solving customer problems since 1993, and we’ve only improved with age.
How Reata Became a Leader in Innovation
We may have started with a single machine, but Reata now boasts over 15 CNC machines. Alongside those, we heavily invest in next-level equipment like the INTEGREX i-350H S. This high-powered machine combines a turning and machining center to produce parts in a single set-up.
Our pursuit of innovation doesn’t end with our investments in machinery. We’re embracing Industry 4.0, a new era of manufacturing centered around the digitization of the manufacturing industry to boost efficiency and working conditions. For instance, we’ve implemented state-of-the-art AI software that allows us to monitor our machines and improve our processes.
Reata’s innovative practices haven’t gone unnoticed. Many in the industry see us as trendsetters and follow in our footsteps by implementing automated technology and AI.
As they look at us, we look at what comes next.
Our Future as a Contract Manufacturing Company
As CEO of Reata, Grady has always been and always will be an early adopter of the latest technologies. Industry 4.0 creates many opportunities for contract manufacturing, and we’re excited to find newer an
d better ways to serve our customers. For example, our new ERP system represents the next level of manufacturing software, helping us move toward becoming a fully automated shop.
Implementing AI and other innovative technologies empow
ers us to meet evolving demands sustainably and efficiently. Customers can be confident that we are at the forefront of new technology, while employees can develop specialized skills and grow with the new manufacturing era.
Our vision for the future is rooted in our people-first philosophy. As we look into the next 30 years, our focus will remain on our team and our customers—the people who power our success.
Request a quote to experience the unparalleled service that makes Reata a true leader in the industry.