AUSA Sustaining Member Profile: Otis Technology, Inc.

Army, Dec 2003

Corporate Structure: Number of employees: 50. Founded: 1985. Founder & President: Doreen Marks. Location: 1 Laura St.; Lyons Falls, NY 13368. Telephone: 1-800-684-7486. Web site: www.otisgun.com

Founded 18 years ago in the Black River Valley in upstate New York, Otis began manufacturing a compact gun cleaning kit in a shoe polish tin known as "The Whole Kit & Caboodle." Since their humble beginnings, Otis has grown into the premier producer of firearms cleaning products. Otis breech-to-muzzle cleaning systems are widely regarded by experts as the most advanced gun cleaning systems in the world.

Their products are in service today with the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Army, Special Forces, law enforcement and the world's best hunters and marksmen. The clay pigeon-sized, nylon case gun cleaning system is available in many variations. Otis manufactures cleaning equipment that will clean all rifles, pistols, shotguns and in-line muzzleloaders from .17-caliber rifles and pistols through 12-gauge shotguns.

Otis' systems contain all the components necessary to knock obstructions out of the barrel or to completely clean a gun without disassembly. The patented Memory-Flex Cleaning Rod provides for proper pull through breech-to-muzzle cleaning.

These cleaning systems can be worn on a belt while in the field, or tossed in a pack for later use. Otis products are available through large retailers such as L.L. Bean, Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods and Wal-Mart. Sales have increased nearly 25 percent annually over the past five years.

Otis Technology, Inc., as it is now known, true to its acronym-outstanding technology, innovation and service-has been able to expand its Lyons Falls, N.Y., facility by investing in state-of-the-art computer numerical machinery and advanced one-of-a-kind pneumatic logic controlled equipment, enabling the company to be more than 95 percent self-sufficient. Otis' current plans for a new, larger manufacturing facility will add to its ability to continue to service the needs of the U.S. Army and other markets with quality products in a responsive manner.

Otis is proud to equip America's soldiers with high-quality products to ensure their safety in the field. America's recent conflicts in regions with sand storms present unique problems to our soldiers for which Otis is proud to be able to provide solutions. American soldiers from nearby Fort Drum, or those who are in the area, often drop by Otis to express their gratitude for making such a lightweight, easy to use and effective tool. Frequent sand storms in the regions "caused me to instruct my men to clean their weapons every hour" relays one soldier from the 101st who recently stopped by Otis. These "we just wanted to thank you" statements from soldiers make the entire Otis assembly and manufacturing team proud to service the U.S. Army.

National stock numbers (NSNs) are an important element in enabling Army and other military personnel to easily purchase products approved by the U.S. military.

Otis currently has NSNs assigned to more than 70 of its products through the Marine Corps Exchange, Self-Service Stores, NEXCOM, AAFES and DoD EMALL, making them convenient to purchase by soldiers wherever they might be stationed.

Otis has a large presence at the Shot Show as well as NRA and NASGW. Otis pays special attention to the needs of the Small Arms Conference, Marine South, the Association of the U.S. Army and many other gatherings and shows where military and law enforcement personnel are making decisions about new products to equip our men and women with the best technology and tools in the world. In 2002, the General Services Administration awarded the company with a contract for homeland security and now products may be purchased directly through the GSA Advantage web site.

Otis' 30-patent portfolio increased with two new patent-pending products in 2002. Some recent new products being introduced include an anti-theft system, Otis' patented grip kit, military tool kit and new digital instructional videos on CD-ROM. Using leading edge technology, Otis is driven partly by a continuing desire to equip America's soldiers with stateof-the-art firearms cleaning equipment. The Defense Contract Management Agency presented Otis with an award in recognition and appreciation of its dedicated workforce that demonstrated outstanding support of U.S. and British soldiers during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The U.S. Small Business Administration recognized Doreen Marks, president and owner of Otis Technology, Inc., as the New York State 2003 Small Business Person of the Year. Judges selected Doreen for her leadership in developing a company that shows growth in employment, sales, financial stability, innovative products and successful response to diversity, and for her commitment to the community.

Over the years, Otis has actively participated in programs supporting Army soldiers and their families, for example, the Adopt-A-Platoon Program organized by the Association of the U.S. Army chapter at Fort Drum in upstate New York. Otis has adopted several platoons, including the Polar Bears and Long-Range Surveillance Detachment.