HAYS, Kan. – Federated member S&W Supply is commemorating its 75th anniversary in 2009. As a way to celebrate and thank its customers, the company will hold Customer Appreciation Days at all eight S&W Supply locations Feb. 11-14. S&W Supply Company has been a Federated Auto Parts member since 1985.
“We are honored to be celebrating the 75th anniversary of S&W Supply,” said Don Bickle, chairman of the board of S&W Supply and Warehouse Inc. “For a company that started with one small auto parts store 75 years ago to have grown to where we are today is quite remarkable. Without our loyal customers and business partners, we would not have had the success we have had. I especially want to thank all of our employees, including our past employees, for helping us reach our 75th anniversary. With their help, we look forward to another 75 years.”
The S&W Supply customer appreciation events will take place Feb. 11-14 at the main store in Hays, Kan., as well as the seven other northwest Kansas locations in Colby, Hill City, Plainville, LaCrosse, Osborne, Ness City and Russell.
Established in 1934 during the Great Depression by Claude Sutter and Don Wells and named S&W in their honor, the company started out small, selling a limited number of automotive parts. As the business grew, Don and Lyle (Bickle) Wells joined the company. In a short time, S&W Supply moved to Hays, where its company headquarters remains today. In 1966, Warehouse Inc. was formed to serve as a warehouse for S&W Supply and western Kansas.
Besides automotive and heavy duty, S&W also serves the industrial, agricultural and oilfield markets. The second, third and fourth generation of the Bickle family works in the business. Currently Don Bickle serves as chairman of the board; his sons Don Jr. and Tim manage the day-to-day operation, and grandson Ryan serves as the general sales manager. As the business continues to grow, a 14,000-square-foot addition is currently being added to Warehouse Inc. due to the expansion of product lines to better serve their customers. Construction is expected to be completed by March.
“We want to congratulate the Bickle family on 75 years of great service and success,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “S&W Supply and Warehouse Inc. continue to grow and prosper because of the hard work and commitment of the Bickle family and their employees. Everyone at Federated congratulates them on their 75th anniversary. The Bickle’s have been great partners with Federated for more than 20 years and we wish them many more years of success.”
