ecla Company was founded in 1897.
It’s founder and namesake, Thomas E. Clark (T.E. Clark), was a
well known inventor of the era. Involved mainly with wireless
telephone, Mr. Clark established himself as one of the
forefathers in ship-to-shore wireless communication. Mr.
Clark’s firm commitment to quality and performance would lead
Tecla into the twentieth century…
E
xtending through the turn of the
century and into the early twenties, Tecla’s wireless and
radio sets were the company’s mainstay. Tom Clark developed
and built the transmitter for WWJ Radio One, the first truly
commercial radio station in the United States. The stock
market crash and the depression that followed nearly ended the
company’s solvency, as it did so many others. But the strong
purpose and resolve of Tom Clark and his eldest son, James E.
Clark, reestablished Tecla as a manufacurer of quality
mechanical and electrical equipment.
C
losely following the depression,
Tecla became a tool design shop doing experimental work. It
was from this establishment, in the late thirties, that James
E. Clark and Charles Laing developed the dog nail trimmer.
Under the brand name “RESCO” (Research Engineering and Sales
Company), sales of the trimmer began. World War II
interrupted the growing line of Resco Pet Products and Tecla
became fully involved in the war effort.
L
ater, with the war over, Tecla
began in earnest to develop a full line of quality pet
products. Tecla’s downtown Detroit location was moved to
northwest Detroit. Norval F. Clark, the youngest son of
founder Thomas E. Clark, joined the firm at the same time.
Through continued quality and craftsmanship, Resco Pet
Products carved a niche in the professional groomers and
handlers market and sales continued upward.
A
s the fifties, sixties and
seventies continued showing sales gains, Resco quality became
the featured selling point and sell they did as Resco Pet
Products consumed the whole of Tecla’s manufacturing
capabilities. Norval Clark’s three sons, Richard, Robert and
Jeffrey were hired by the corporation to assist with the
growing pet line. The four Clarks, together, continued the
family tradition of quality merchandise and dependable
service. Our marine division got it’s start in 1972 with the
design and manufacture of the Sea Ray Boats seat track.
The eighties ushered in the
computer age at Tecla as Dick and Robb oversaw the
installation of the manufacturing software and hardware
system. That system vastly improved shipping and inventory
capabilities. In 1982 Tecla moved its plant from the Detroit
location to a northwestern suburb, Walled Lake (about 30 miles
from downtown Detroit). The late eighties saw the computer
system expanded to include a CAD system for design work. Jeff
Clark handles our computers and design functions on the CAD
system, Dick heads engineering, design and sales, Robb heads
administration and shipping and Norval, CEO makes sure we do
our jobs!
The nineties welcomed the fourth
generation of Clarks as Christopher, Kelly and Amy (the twins)
and Randy began working for the corporation. The late nineties
challenged Tecla. A new plastics division and expanding
business created the need for a new facility. Tecla built
it’s new spacious home at 1250 Ladd Road in Walled Lake,
Michigan- about five miles west of the old building. The big
move left us pinching pennies and kept some of us many a late
night at the office. Sacrifices were made- with smiles, sweat
and tears- And just into the twenty-first century, the Clark
family (Patrick Clark now has joined the fold) and Tecla’s
employees continue to look forward to serving the marine and
pet industry. Our commitment to family, our employees, our
customers and to quality products remains the foundation upon
which we continue to build. We wish to thank all of our
customers for being part of our history.
…And at ninety years of age, his
bright face at Tecla every day, Norval still makes sure we do
our jobs!
