[Citizens National Bank Aids in the Growth of Braun Industries ]
Citizens National Bank is proud to have Braun Industries as one of its customers. Pat Ryan, Senior Vice President and Van Wert City President, states, “I’ve known the Braun family for many years. I am always impressed with the quality of ambulances they manufacture, their involvement in the community, and the growth of their company which has such a positive impact on the Van Wert area economy.”
Braun Industries designs, engineers and manufactures custom built ambulances. Founded in 1972 by Charles J. Braun, this family owned business is now in its third generation of ownership. Phil Braun serves as President & CEO and Charma Braun serves as Executive Vice President. Phil and Charma’s children, Scott Braun and Kim Elick are also involved in the company. Scott serves as Quality Operations Manager and Electrical Engineering Manager, and Kim serves as General Manager. The company has a great impact on economic development in the Van Wert County area by employing 185 employees. The handcrafted ambulances are sold nationally and internationally, and the Brauns work with dealers throughout the United States. Ambulances from Braun Industries stand out by having SolidBodyTM construction with full contact weld seams, EZ GLIDETM doors that open and slide back, and state of the art emergency vehicle electrical control systems. Providing high quality ambulances and taking pride in economic development in the community, Braun Industries has received numerous certifications and awards. The company has received the Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) Certification from Ford Motor Company, earning one of the highest scores Ford awards to a manufacturing facility. Additionally, Braun Industries has received the Van Wert Economic Development Enterprise of the Year Award for 2007, and the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce Crystal Image Award and Golden Shovel Awards, which are based on the Brauns’ activity in the community along with their contribution to growth and development in the Van Wert area. Braun Industries is a member of the Ambulance Manufacturers Division (AMD) of the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA). Always proud of the work that paramedics do every day, Braun Industries has sponsored the National Paramedic of the Year Award for 20 years.
Being extremely pleased with their previous financial relationship with Pat, the Braun family brought their company’s accounts to Citizens when he began working for Citizens in 2002. Phil Braun says, “We have a great partnership with Pat and Citizens. We’ve grown along side each other, and I am confident that Pat and the staff at Citizens can continue to provide great service and products that meet our banking needs.” He is pleased with the flexibility and expandability of the line of credit, which accommodates his growing business. Braun also appreciates Pat’s networking and knowledge of state and local financing programs to ease working with the procedures involved in governmental programs. He adds that Pat takes the time to get to know his family and business, and that he has a genuine interest in the growth and success of Braun Industries. Braun states that there is a great sense of trust between Pat and the Braun family, with open communication, so the family knows what to expect during the lending process.
The Braun family appreciates Pat’s suggestions of products that make their daily operations more efficient. Citizens’ Courier Service is a significant time saver. Additionally, Citizens’ business online banking service, Online for Business, allows the Brauns to see account balances, transfer money between accounts and see the status of automatic sweep accounts 24/7. Another service the Brauns utilize is Citizens’ Merchant Capture. With this new product from Citizens, they are able to process checks directly at their place of business and have immediate access to cash. Elick states, “Pat listens to our requests and provides solutions. We are impressed with his knowledge and responsiveness.”
Braun Industries is located at 1170 Production Drive in Van Wert. For further information about Braun Industries, please call 419/232-7020, or visit www.braunambulances.com.
