As Featured on Africa Mining & Construction Magazine Jan-Mar 2025 Edition Page 11
Who is NRP Jones? Since its founding in 1945, NRP Jones has been a name synonymous with quality and reliability in the hydraulic and industrial hose and fitting market. What began as a family-owned business has grown into a leading American manufacturing and distribution company, serving various industries including mining, construction, oil fields, agriculture, military, and more. As the industry evolves throughout the years, NRP Jones stayed resilient and true to its founding principles, maintaining its strong core competencies of dedicated customer service and quality products. Today, NRP Jones is looking to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and a plan that aims to build on its rich heritage while embracing modern trends and innovations. This milestone marks not only a celebration of its enduring legacy, but also a pivotal moment for the company to relaunch and reinvigorate its brand with a fresh, forward-thinking strategy.

A Foundation Built on Legacy of Values and Quality

NRP Jones began its journey eight decades ago in 1945, known as “Screw Machine Products (SMP),” established by the Jones Family with a commitment to producing high-quality hydraulic fittings, adapters, and screw machine parts in La Porte, Indiana. In the 70’s, the company began marketing and distributing its complete line of hydraulic fittings with assembly capability to produce custom hydraulic assemblies known as Hytek Hose & Coupling. In the 90’s, the family acquires Nephi Rubber Products (NRP) located in Nephi, Utah, who manufactures industrial hoses for oil & gas, and then achieves ISO 9001 Certification. In 2011, Main Street Capital Corporation acquires SMP, NRP, and Jones Enterprise and begins to operate all three entities under NRP Jones. NRP Jones has long taken pride in the technical support and responsiveness of its team, with a strong commitment to quality and reliability. These values have enabled the company to build and maintain long-standing relationships with customers and industry partners, setting it apart in a competitive market. The organization’s open-door policy encourages direct communication across all levels, from the shop floor to the boardroom. Leadership expects and fosters open dialogue, ensuring that employees are empowered to share their insights and feedback. This approach not only nurtures a positive work environment, but also translates into exceptional customer service.

Customer Feedback as a Catalyst for Continuous Improvement

NRP Jones’ customer-centric approach is not just a catchphrase; it is an integral part of the company’s operations. The company deeply values the feedback it receives from customers and considers it a key driver of continuous improvement. Since 1945, the company has strived to meet and exceed customer expectations by consistently refining its products, processes, and services. CEO Joe Kochan emphasizes that this commitment goes beyond simply responding to customer needs; it involves actively listening to their challenges and collaborating to find solutions. “Customized solutions that we worked on with our customers can help us identify their pain points and further refine product performance for various applications,” he says. “When we listen to our customers’ challenges and help them solve their problems, we can then identify and anticipate market needs; their insights help drive the development of new products.” This proactive approach to innovation has been a cornerstone of the company’s success, allowing it to adapt and grow in an ever-changing industry landscape. As a result, the company has earned the nomination as one of the “Top Ten Innovators of 2024” by Business Chief’s Insight.

Tough Hose for Tough Environments: NRP Jones Armored Hose Solutions

When mining and construction demand more, NRP Jones is here to deliver. Armored Hose and Armor-Flex Assembly are engineered to perform in the harshest conditions, making it the ultimate choice for mining and construction applications. With exceptional resistance to abrasion, crushing, and extreme pressures, NRP Jones’ quality and reliable armored hoses can keep your operations running smoothly and safely. Keeping it simple – From standard solutions to custom orders, the experts at NRP Jones are ready to design, test, and deliver assemblies that meet and exceed your durability, safety, longevity, and versatility goals without compromise.

Celebrating 80 Years of Excellence and Looking Forward

As NRP Jones celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, the company is embarking on a transformative journey that aims to reinvigorate the brand while solidifying its position as an industry leader. The leadership team is focused on sustainable growth, brand awareness, market expansion, and diversification of product offerings. The company is excited to start the year with a nod to its past and a continued commitment to providing the best service and quality products for the fluid conveyance industry. The journey ahead promises to be as impactful and resilient as the company’s legacy, continuing to earn the trust of their customers and partners while pushing the boundaries of what is possible.