TROY, Mich. – The Original Gabriel (Ride Control LLC) recently marked the 40-year anniversary of its Chickasha, Okla., facility. A celebration of its long, loyal and rewarding relationship with the city, its people and Oklahoma took place Nov. 6 at an event held in the manufacturing facility’s newly renovated offices. 
“We are grateful for the commitment and friendships we have cultivated over the past 40 years in Oklahoma, with our employees, community and the state,” said Lisa Bahash, president and CEO Ride Control LLC. “Without them, Gabriel would not be where it is today.”
In attendance were many state and local dignitaries and leaders including Oklahoma State Representative Ron Justice and City Mayor, The Honorable Hank Ross.
Sixteen employees celebrated at least 35 years with Gabriel on Nov. 6 as well, including:
· Ronnie Slemp
· John Velerius
· Charlotte Oliver
· Armentia Williams
· Kathy Beeler
· Vollie Moore
· Rose Jenkins
· Jack Remy
· Ludealia Gaines
· Michael Riley
· Johnnie Collier
· Ricky Stelting
· Christine Yeahpau
· Lawanna Stelting
· Carmen Murphy
· Joanne Moore
“It is the loyalty and commitment of experienced, hardworking employees like these 16 for which Gabriel is most grateful,” said Lisa Bahash.
Construction began on the Chickasha buildings in May, 1972. Over the years, the facility has been operated by a variety of owners, but Gabriel shocks have always been a part of the plant. It was the expertise and loyalty of the employee base at the plant that Gabriel’s new management team and new corporate ownership recognized in 2009 when it determined that the facility would be a key contributor to Gabriel’s future.
Since then, Gabriel has initiated a number of successful changes and improvements, benefitting the company and the local community, including upgrades and improvements in processes at the facility. Gabriel has increased its employment by more than 75 percent in three years, to more than 350 employees with the potential to grow even more.
This rapid growth required the development of supportive training programs and a strengthened corporate culture. Gabriel worked closely with the Canadian Valley Technical Center and Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance to incorporate a number of training initiatives, including Leaders by HEART by fellow Oklahoman Dr. Lew Sterrett, Measurable Management, and LEAN implementation, among others. In addition, Gabriel developed a number of programs designed to reinforce its culture including the Gabriel ACTion hero program, which recognizes employees who act with "Accountability, Credibility and Tenacity."
In return, Gabriel Chickasha employees are generous with their time and talents, enthusiastically supporting the annual Relay for Life event, raising more than $7,000 annually for cancer research. Employees also participate in up to seven blood drives a year, and a holiday angel tree program to help those in need.
The company has received a number of awards in the past year. In September, Gabriel was one of only four in the state to receive The Oklahoma Governor’s Leadership Manufacturing Award, and it earned the prestigious Extra Miler Award from the nation’s largest automotive retailer AutoZone in April.
