Founder Profile Story: Suk-Kyu Koh

Chrysan Industries, Inc. is an automotive lubricants & speciality chemicals provider which headquarters is located in Plymouth, Michigan. Chrysan was established in 1977 and they had been increased its sales volume to $10 million a year. The corporation has about 20 employees. Chrysan achieved Ford Q1 in February 2005 and was chosen to be Corp! Magazine Best of Michigan 2008. 

We had the opportunity to connect with the Suk-Kyu Koh and learn more about their business.

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Who was your first customer and where did you find them?
Chrysan’s 1st customer was Arrow Metal Products in Detroit.
They were a small stamping company who supplied parts to the automotive industry.

Where did you find your first employee?
Our 1st employees were family members. My parents started the company. My brothers and I worked for Chrysan on the weekends and during the summer when we were growing up.

I drove a hi-lo when I was 10 years old, blended various products, and drove the company truck – when I was old enough. My Dad taught us how to cut and thread pipe and install equipment.

Where have you turned to find capital to grow your company and which institutions have provided it?
When my parents first started the company, they used personal savings and a loan from Manufacturers Bank at that time.

When Chrysan moved to Plymouth, MI. They obtained an SBA loan through Bank One and also through Dearborn Capital, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company.

We now work with Charter One Bank. Charter One has supported our international growth and continue to be a great partner.

What are some of the advantages to doing business here?
While Michigan has lost a fair portion of its automotive manufacturing base, Detroit is still the Automotive Engineering Capital of the World.
– GM, Ford, and Chrysler Headquarters are here.
– GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Hyundai, ChangAn Technical Centers are here
– Many Tier 1 Suppliers Technical & sales offices are here

Also, the engineering talent is here along with close cooperation with academia
– University of Michigan
– Michigan State University
– Wayne State University

If you could change one thing about this region, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about the region, I would change the perception of Michigan.
From Automotive Manufacturing to High Tech & Alternative Energy Automotive Engineering.
From old, crime ridden city of Detroit to the Great Lakes State of Michigan
From racially divisive to a diverse welcoming community.

Logo (2)
Chrysan Industries, Inc.
14707 Keel Steet
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 451-5411
Fax: (734) 862-4053
http://www.chrysanindustries.com/

MI Asian Staff
Author: MI Asian Staff