Centerline Selected Top Small Industry

Ponca City News

The Small Industry Award for 1997 was presented to Centerline Inc. Accepting the award, which was presented by Linda Brown, chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), was Michael Engster, owner.

Brown, leading up to the name of the firm, said, "The Company we honor this evening was the brainchild of a man who always wanted to be a cowboy. Of course, we all wanted that when we were growing up. The difference here is that this person held his dream in Germany and gave up a six-figure job to pursue the dream of a simpler life in the southwest of the United States.

"While being a cowboy is not how our recipient makes his living today, he has moved to our country and established a growing and successful business in Ponca City.

Brown added, "In fact, the growth experienced has been outstanding. Starting in 1994 as an incubator tenant at Pioneer Technology center, the company grossed a grand total of $2,308 in sales the first month. In seven months, the company was breaking even. In 1996, the fledgling operation generated close to one million in sales.

"They moved into a brand new facility in 1997 and are now closing in on the two million mark and employ approximately 20 skilled technicians in the repair and refurbishing of spindles. (Spindles are the part of the machine that does all the work. For example, the spindle is part of a machine that cuts out airplane wings for Boeing. It's the part that grinds the metal and extracts material)."

In announcing the recipient of the award, Brown said, "When Michael Engster came to Ponca City, he had no money in his pocket and the dream of a simpler life as cowboy. He's found that new life here - and he's brought our community a fine new company as well. Three years ago, people may not have known what a spindle was. Michael Engster and Centerline Inc. are hoping to change that. We think you'll agree that he's well on his way."

Accepting the award, Engster, who was obviously surprised, said, "This is a very emotional moment for me, and by the way it is my 31st wedding anniversary." Engster thanked his wife, Sonja, for sticking with him and moving from Germany to America to allow him "to be John Wayne." He also thanked his son Stephan and noted he would not be here if it wasn't for his son.

Engster said when he goes back to Germany, he still likes it, but realizes he is ready to come home and home is in Ponca City. He expressed appreciation to Pioneer Technology Center, where Centerline was first located in the business incubator, and also to the City of Ponca City.

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