In the heart of Glendale Heights, Illinois, lies A-L Equipment Company, a family-run business that has been around since 1955. The company was founded by Art Nelson and his wife Gerry, who had a rich background in liquid handling systems. Art's knack for solving tough installation challenges made him stand out in the industry, but unfortunately, his employer didn't appreciate his unique approach. This prompted Art to start A-L Equipment, determined to do things his way.
Today, A-L Equipment continues to thrive under the leadership of Dean Nelson, Art's son, who took over the business along with his wife, Sue. They expanded the company's reach to cover all of Chicagoland and a few counties in neighboring Indiana. In 1996, Art’s grandson, Michael Nelson, joined the team, bringing fresh energy and ideas. Michael's wife, Mercedes, followed suit in 2010, and she now plays an integral role in the company's growth.
The company operates from a modern 17,000-square-foot facility that provides ample space for their extensive inventory, which includes new and spare parts worth over $4 million, with approximately $2 million dedicated to Viking products. This makes them one of the largest suppliers of Viking pumps in the world. Alongside Viking products, they offer a variety of other pumps, meters, and stainless-steel hose and cable reels, ensuring customers get complete solutions for their liquid handling needs.
A-L Equipment serves a diverse range of industries, including raw chemical production, food and pharmaceutical processing, and eco-friendly technologies like biodiesel and ethanol. Their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has earned them loyal clients such as Barry Callebaut, a major player in the chocolate manufacturing sector. At Barry Callebaut's Chicago-area facilities, A-L has installed hundreds of Viking's specialized chocolate pumps featuring O-Proâ„¢ Barrier seal technology.
Their largest client, Stepan, a global chemical solutions provider, relies heavily on A-L Equipment for their pumping needs. Stepan has over 1,000 pieces of equipment installed at their Illinois facility, with the majority being Viking stainless steel and mag drive pumps. These partnerships underscore A-L Equipment's reputation for reliability and expertise.
One memorable incident highlighted A-L's ability to deliver under pressure. On Thanksgiving evening, BASF reached out with an urgent request to prevent a plant shutdown costing $100,000 per day. Thanks to their vast inventory and deep understanding of Viking products, A-L quickly supplied a Q-size Viking pump capable of handling the situation. Even though the pump was rated for 250 psi, they were able to double its capacity by adjusting the speed. This solution was installed within 6-8 hours, far faster than the 12 weeks it would have taken a competitor to deliver a replacement.
Customization is another hallmark of A-L Equipment's service. For instance, they’ve modified Glycol pumps by adding de-icing units, allowing them to pump fuel into airplanes at O'Hare and Midway airports during harsh winters. This collaboration with an OEM has resulted in the production of glycol de-icing skids, many of which feature Viking pumps, used extensively by UPS and FedEx across the U.S.
A-L Equipment’s success story is a testament to the strong partnership they share with Viking Pump. Their ability to solve almost all pumping issues with Viking's versatile product range highlights their commitment to excellence. From thin liquids like ammonia to thick substances like asphalt, Viking pumps have proven themselves indispensable.
As the company looks ahead, they continue to innovate and adapt, ensuring they remain a trusted partner for businesses across the globe. Whether it's modifying existing products or developing new solutions, A-L Equipment remains at the forefront of the industry, driven by their passion for quality and customer satisfaction.
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