McRandal Fluid Power, a maker of industrial hoses in East Deer, recognized as national sales leader

Along Freeport Road in East Deer’s Creighton section, there’s a building nestled behind the train tracks that might not draw much attention from passersby: McRandal Fluid Power. “Custom Made Hydraulic Hoses” is what they offer.

Few people appreciate the necessary role of the equipment in the machinery of the modern world. As described on the firm’s website, the hoses are used “for air and water, chemicals, cleaning, welding and food, for construction, manufacturing, mining, agriculture and transportation.”

In the words of Tim McRandal, the firm’s president and founder, “Anything that moves, we are involved with.”

In the industry, McRandal Fluid Power is well known. Last month, it was named a top distributor in the United States by its supplier, Jason/Megadyne.

”I was just this poor kid from Natrona Heights who was just trying to make a living,” McRandal said, “Now all of a sudden we are being recognized across the country.”

Today, McRandal Fluid Power specializes in hydraulic, pneumatic and industrial hoses and supplies. Hydraulic hoses, the main product, are used to carry fluid from one hydraulic component to another, such as valves and pumps.

The company got its start in 2001 through a government program set up by the unemployment office.

“The concept behind it was that if you give someone the proper management, they’ll be able to be successful in growing their company and business,” McRandal said.

McRandal was unsure of what he was getting into. A number of well-established companies were already in operation. A new fluid power firm had not been opened in more than 25 years.

But once he got a foothold, the company’s presence started to grow. It now serves 200 to 300 customers from a variety of industries, including construction, municipalities (Tarentum, East Deer, Springdale, Springdale Township, New Kensington and Lower Burrell are clients), PennDOT, elevators and more. Other partnerships include KT-Grant, a specialty equipment maker in Export.

McRandal said with the help of two machines, a hose can be made in 10 to 15 minutes, depending on its complexity. Within a month, more than 1,500 hoses can be made.

Office Manager Jeff Jones has worked for the company for five years, but his ties with McRandal go way back: They attended middle school together in the Highlands School District. When Jones heard the news about the honor they received, he was ecstatic.

“I could make more money in other places, but I do enjoy working with Tim,” he said. “I am happy to come to work every day here.”

In addition to McRandal and Jones, the firm employs eight other people, most of whom live in the Alle-Kiski Valley.

The pandemic has not slowed the company’s continued success.

Jones said during his time here, the company has seen business double. Just in the past year, the company grew by 45%, he said. Being deemed an essential business during the pandemic helped keep business steady.

“Our industry is not known. Many people do not know about us and what we do,” McRandal. “It is not like a pizza shop.”

McRandal hopes to pass down the business to his kids when he retires.