The Founding of ASI
Headquartered in Kansas City, MO, Automatic Systems, Inc. was founded on February 4, 1972 by Duane Smith. He assembled a team of engineers to specialize in conveyors, enhance manufacturing processes, and improve efficiency. In 1981, Bob Hoehn and Mike McKee bought ASI from owners Duane Smith and Bob Powell.
Click on a decade below to learn more:
1970s: Doing Our Own Thing
It was a time when music came in vinyl, cassette, and 8-track. Bell bottoms were in style, and nobody was cooler than “The Fonz”. ASI was also pretty cool. During this decade, we were awarded our first patent for a conveyor carrier with actuated dog, and we started our first of many multi-million-dollar jobs. Our trustworthiness and commitment to delivering quality solutions quickly gained us a reputation for excellence.
1980s: Innovation and Diversification
The ‘80s marked a period of expansion and diversification for ASI. Personal computers experienced explosive growth, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album was released, and the highest-grossing film was “E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial.” But that’s not all. ASI experienced some exciting firsts in the 80s, too, with 4” and 6” OPF and IPF jobs and an Axialveyor system. Several more conveyor patents were awarded, and we diversified beyond conveyors by starting a steel erection company, known today as Lico Steel.
1990s: Expansion and Celebration
As the demand for our work grew, so did our workforce. We invested in state-of-the-art technology to stay at the forefront of our industry. We leveraged emerging technologies such as CAD and CAM, which allowed us to take on larger and more complex projects. In 1993, we started an international sales group. Our team members succeeded in obtaining more patents, and in 1997, we received our first GM Supplier of the Year award (we’re four-time winners now!).
ASI expanded our KC campus and celebrated with a memorable open house. A co-worker remembers: “After the renovation, we had a heck of a party. That’s one good thing about this company – [we] like to party! There was a big tent, food trucks, catered food, and there was beer. I even think the mayor was there and some spokespeople from GM. It was just so cool to see.”
2000s: A New Era
Boy bands, solo artists, and reality TV exploded in the aughts. The 2000s saw the rise of social media platforms, transforming the way people connect and share information. Before Facebook, there was Myspace and Friendster. While social networking came into the mainstream, ASI continued to fortify its network and build new relationships by word of mouth and a solid resume.
Our teams worked closely with industry leaders, delivering customized systems that maximized productivity and minimized downtime. ASI’s reputation extended beyond manufacturing and heavy industrial. As our expertise gained recognition on a national scale, we established our airports division. In 2007, Michael Hoehn was named the new President and CEO of ASI.
2010s, 2020s, and Beyond: Pushing the Bounds of Possibility
Social media and internet culture became sources for the latest news and trends, influencer became a job title, and Google became a verb. Digital transformation was accelerated when COVID-19 gave way to hybrid work models, virtual meetings, and cloud-based solutions. ASI doubled down on our efficiency, adaptability, and communication, and came out of the pandemic more successful than ever.
2022 marked our 50th anniversary, and we had lots to celebrate! We underwent renovations and expansions to our KC campus, adding a gym, locker room, mother’s room, and multiple conference rooms and break rooms. Our Kansas City office was also named one of the Best Places to Work, and we won GM Supplier of the Year award again (1997, 1998, 2021, 2022)!
Today, ASI continues to thrive as a family of companies with expertise in conveyance systems, automation, and robotics. Our team remains dedicated to delivering innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that exceed our clients’ imaginations.
As we move into the future, ASI remains committed to embracing emerging technologies and staying at the forefront of the industry. With a focus on continuous improvement and a customer-centric approach, we are poised to meet the evolving needs of all the industries we serve.