Center Industries Corporation (CIC) was founded by John F. “Jack” Jonas in 1975 with the production of license plates for the State of Kansas with only 12 employees, 1 customer, and a 10,000 square foot building. Mr. Jonas saw this opportunity to help our community. And so began the CIC mission to not only employ individuals with disabilities – but to offer them a chance to grow with the company in a long-term career.
Today, Center Industries Corporation is the sole producer of all digital license plates in the State of Kansas, has numerous customers in a variety of industries, and has expanded into 7 buildings encompassing 150,000 square feet of manufacturing space. We’ve grown to offer diverse capabilities including metal fabrication, CNC machining, and assembly.
Milestones
1974
CIC begins its mission and journey through the legislature for approval, being testing as a pilot project to employ handicapped adults who would manufacture Kansas license plates, among other things.
1975
Center Industries Corporation (CIC) opens in Wichita, KS, in July 1975 with production in a new 26,000 sq ft building with 15 employees. “We are proud to be the first facility in the United States to pave the way for a realistic employment system designed to enhance the lifestyle of many cerebral palsied adults in Kansas,” says CIC Founder, Jack Jonas.
1977
CIC offers a new production line that manufactures various types of agriculture and industrial tools.
1979
Beginning in July 1979, CIC was awarded the contract to clean, polish, and assemble windows for the 727 and 737 jetliners. The rough glass was sent from Boeing to the glass shop at Center, where each window was processed through a five-step method.
1980
Fabulous Folders indoor/outdoor furniture product line purchased from Davis Manufacturing of Pratt, KS offers four models of chairs, rockers, and chaise loungers in a variety of colors.
1980
- 5th anniversary and growth! 80+ employees and 30 customer contracts
- Center received Boeing “Pride in Excellence” award
- New contract to produce Triactor Press Generator assembly to conserve energy in fossil fuel furnaces by ionizing the air before it goes to the burner
- New bill requires all license plates issued after 1981 to be coated with reflectorized material for safer night vision
- Senator Bob Dole tours CIC with founder, Jack Jonas
1989
Offload production of 737 window frames begins at CIC.
1990
Center Industries Corporation is awarded a contract with the Department of Defense to produce 30 round magazine cartridges for the M16 rifle used by the Army.
1991
CIC acquires five CNC (computer numerical controlled) milling machines to develop modern, skilled training in aerospace technology that will provide disabled employees greater opportunities to succeed in today’s work environment.
2000
CIC celebrates 25 years of success, providing quality products while employing a 75% disabled workforce!
“Center Industries, simply put, does a superb job for Boeing. They are our partner and we consider Center a world class supplier.” – Jeff Turner, President/CEO, Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
2005
Center Industries Corporation celebrates 30 years in Business in 2005 and receives multiple awards including:
- Performance Excellence in Government Contracts Award
- Business Innovations Award
- Merit Award for Kansas Business Appreciation Month
- Outstanding Community Partner Award
- Outstanding Performance: Supplier Delegated Inspection Authority
2013
First Gemcor machine is delivered to CIC in January 2013. In February, Spirit officials tour the window belt department. In August, a ribbon cutting ceremony is held for the new window belt department with City and State officials joining as honorary speakers.
2015
Center Industries Corporation receives the 2015 Community Partner Award from Spirit AeroSystems.
2015
Center Industries Corporation celebrates 40 years of business on October 23, 2015! City and State officials join in the “Miracle on Custer Street” themed celebration.
2020
Center Industries Corporation signs 10-year contract extension with Spirit AeroSystems.