RACING TO MEET DEMAND Walmart, Kroger shopping scooter supplier ups production capability

Bridgeport-based Amigo Mobility International Inc. had a problem.

e nation’s largest manufacturer of motorized shopping carts could not wheel them o the line fast enough to meet demand from stores ush with cash amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

e family-owned company, whose biggest customers include Walmart Inc. and Kroger Co., has seen top-line growth of 25 percent for the past two years as it plans to hit $50 million in revenue this year. Headcount has grown at a similar clip, to about 145, with eight positions still open.

“It went absolutely nuts,” said

Jordan ieme, operations manager. “Our orders went to like nothing, and then over the course of a couple months, we had record years since then … Our business is still growing like crazy.” e scooter surge has led to large-scale expansion and vertical integration plans for the company, which aims to bring more business and manufacturing to its home base, about 10 miles south of Saginaw. Amigo Mobility is investing more than $4 million to grow its footprint and production capabilities, and it bought one of its main suppliers in January.

Growth has not been a given, though. While Amigo stood to capitalize on grocers reinvesting re- cord pro ts into stores, manufacturing problems stood in its way. Supply chain constraints and operational ine ciencies, which have been especially hard on small manufacturers, threatened to stunt expansion.

Being family owned and operated has been central to the company’s identity since its inception. It was founded in 1968 by Al ieme. His wife Beth is president and CEO, while their children Jordan ieme and Jennifer ieme-Kehres also work in leadership roles. Al remains active in the company, turning 86 years old next month and looking to retire “never,” according to his son.

See AMIGO on Page 21