Corporate Highlights

1953
M.A Oztekin worked to develop the first line of adjustable steel shelving and continuous belt checkout, including 3 belt model.

1955
M.A. Oztekin worked in the automobile industry.

1956
M.A. Oztekin was founder and CEO of Dixie Craft Mfg. Company, Goodwater, Al, the predecessor of Madix Corporation.

1958
The Kent Corporation was founded on January 21 by M.A. Oztekin. Located originally on First Ave. South, Birmingham, AL

1960
U.S. Patent applications filed on one-piece steel shelves and backpanel holder.

1961
First in the world to produce unitized one-piece adjustable steel shelves.

1962
Supermatic Development Corporation incorporated.
Relocated to first three buildings at current site.

1963
Patents issued by U.S., England, and France.

1964
Integral backpanel channels formed in uprights.
Products introduced to Western Europe at trade show in Vienna, Austria.

1967
German patents granted.
Products introduced to Far East at trade shows in Tokyo and Bangkok.

1968
Nominated for Presidential "E" Award for export business.

1970
First in the world to "Electrocoat" display shelving.

1973
Completion of Phase XIV, expansions totaling 17 buildings on 18 acres of land.

1977
Additional U.S., English, and French patents granted.
Two additional tanks added, making Kent the world's only 4 color Electrocoat system, in any industry.

1986
Completion of new showroom facilities, administrative and executive offices.

1989
Implementation of Integrated Manufacturing and Control System including CAD/CAM capability.

1994
RF bar code inventory system installed.

1995
New "Electrocoating" maintenance holding system

1997
Revolutionary Heavy Duty Low-Base Shoe introduced.

Kent products are protected by the following patents: US 3,044,634; US 3,093,094; US 4,004,769; US 4,055,253; US 4,294,363; US 4,307,671, US 4,620,489; England 956,091; England 1,507,619; England 1,578,155; France 1,324,692; France 2,341,291; Germany 1,230,180. Other patents pending.