One of Emporia’s major manufacturers celebrated its 65th year in business last week.
Founded in 1953 by E.L. (Bud) and R.E. (Gene) Hopkins, the brothers developed Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation initially developing various body shop tools, later expanding to the emerging plastics technology in the 1960s. But it was in 1975 when Hopkins entered the consumer products market, and the company has flourished ever since. President and CEO Bradley Kraft says the company still embraces a philosophy used by the founders that sets them apart from others.
Kraft says among the biggest change since Hopkins entered the consumer products market has been the retail marketplace. First, it was larger retailers and in more recent years shopping has gone in the way of e-commerce.
Headquartered in Emporia, Hopkins employs more than 1,000 people worldwide, including roughly 350 employees at the Emporia plant. Kraft says Hopkins continues to make its home in Emporia because of the people.
Hopkins is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of specialized towing products and functional accessories for the automotive and recreational vehicle aftermarkets.