Bitec Celebrates 34 Years of Business, Looks Forward to Years Ahead

By Bitec.

Bitec’s growth is a true testament to the family business’ dedication to success and innovation.

Festivities were in order last fall at Bitec’s headquarters in Morrilton, Arkansas, complete with ice cream, cake and hats for everyone to celebrate their 34th year in business. Although the entire company was not able to celebrate together at one time, social distancing allowed for more opportunities to party: one party with the office and one for each of the plant shifts. 

Bitec, founded in 1986 by Bruce Shealey, is a testament to the power of family and dedication in cultivating a business. When Bruce left a secure job at age 46 with the plan to start his own company in an industry that had enough competition already, it might seem like the odds were stacked against him. And yet, Bruce persevered with a dedicated team of coworkers and family members who didn’t shy away from the sleepless nights, tireless innovation and familial approach to business that have been Bitec’s secret to success over the last 34 years and counting.

“This anniversary is a true milestone because it’s a statement to the effort and fortitude of Bruce, David Allen and others who have endured, survived and thrived to make this the business that it is today,” said Joel Shealey, Bruce’s son and business partner.

When asked for his favorite memories over the past 34 years, Bruce found it difficult to narrow them down to only a few. Bruce recalled the excitement of leaving a competitor in 1986 and bringing three trusted employees along with him to build Bitec, the long months in 1987 that required working night and day to fine-tune products and expand the business, and the delight of celebrating this milestone with those who still stand with Bitec after 34 years. Bruce summed it up candidly: “Those long, sleepless months in 1987 marked a time where it felt like we were seeing 10 or 12 days in a single week. And now I get to celebrate the success of those efforts 34 years later. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a tear or two shed during those parties.”

David Allen, Bitec’s president, is one of many employees who have been with Bitec since the very beginning. Reflecting on the milestones over the years, one of David’s favorite moments was “completing construction of the facility and having the production line in full operation within six months of breaking ground.” For Bitec, it’s always been about hard work and profound results.

In recent years, Bitec has had the opportunity to expand its space and production. Having gone from a 30,000 square foot facility to a now 100,000 square foot facility, Bitec operates like the large business it is while still maintaining its family-owned, small business type of familiarity. As the team at Bitec hits the ground running for their 34th year in business, they look forward to the new relationships they’ll make and the quality products they’ll continue to produce.

Learn more about Bitec in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit bi-tec.com.