CK Worldwide was founded in 1967 by Art Kleppen, who owned a small welding supply distributor called Kent Oxygen, and Jim Conley, an engineer for Boeing. At the time, old style TIG torches were all made of a hard phenolic plastic that had a tendency to crack and arc out if dropped. Boeing would fill barrels of expensive broken TIG torches, and allowed Jim and Art to take these torches, chip off the old plastic, and recoat with a silicone rubber that was more durable and provided a great insulant for the torch. These torches were then sold back to Boeing by the early business known as Conley & Kleppen. That company would later become known as CK Systematics, as MIG machines and spool guns were added to the full line of TIG torches and accessories.
Later, the company was split, as Jim Conley took the Systematics side of the business while Art Kleppen held onto CK Worldwide and fully focused on the TIG (GTAW) market.
“CK Worldwide has grown steadily through the years by providing innovative high-quality products at competitive prices,” says VP of Sales & Marketing Mike Meyer. “CK has held more patents and offers the widest range of TIG products available in the market. Our commitment is in providing the best customer service and supporting distributors to make our products accessible throughout the USA, Canada and the world.”
CK prides itself as “The Standard in TIG Welding” due to its incredible knowledge base and its devotion to providing the best customer service, quality, and range of products.
“We strive to create positive customer experiences with quick answers and solutions,” Meyer says. “We don’t use voicemail and a live person always answers the phone during business hours, and are all-hands-on-deck to help customers including our President, Jeff Sharpe with over 40 years at CK. We’ve seen our business more than double in growth over the last 8 years and there’s a lot of pride amongst our employees who are recognized as each and every one plays a part in our success.”
Today, CK Worldwide has 40 full-time employees and a wide range of contractors on staff, including 33 sales reps throughout the USA and Canada.
“Thank you to everyone: our distributors, loyal welders, media, and our employees for making CK Worldwide the strong brand it is today,” says Meyer. “The welding market is truly a great community, and we constantly strive to support it as each individual’s success helps the market and industry, and ultimately helps us to grow and give back.”
Come see what’s new at CK Worldwide at Fabtech Booth # C12071.