XTREME SNORKEL FACTORY

XTREME SNORKEL FACTORY TOUR – JANUARY 21, 2017

Hosted by John Munoz with Photographs by Danny Barnett, Webmaster Bob, Harry Ransom and Sandra Foster

Saturday, January 21st, 2017 was a beautiful and sunny day.  After breakfast, we hopped in our cars and drove the short distance to the brand new Xtreme Snorkel manufacturing plant in Henderson Nevada. We were met at the plant by our tour guide, the very talented Patrick Fisher. Patrick took us into the facility starting in the “Xtreme Cube” welding and fabrication shop. The “Xtreme Cubes” are semi-portable super sturdy building blocks. They can be configured, much like “Lego” building blocks pretty much anyway imaginable. A couple of cube projects around the valley are Pawn Plaza on Las Vegas Blvd Next to the world-famous Gold and Silver Pawn shop (Pawn Stars). Container Park on 7th street is also largely constructed with cubes. You can’t miss its fire-breathing praying mantis at the entrance. We moved into the next part of the plant with its many assembly lines. Here they assemble “Xtreme” reach forklifts, known as tele-handlers, “Snorkel” brand scissor lifts and booms. They even build delivery trucks and solar generators.

Don Ahern, President of Ahern Rentals Inc., was getting tired of paying more money for rental machines that really wouldn’t hold up for the long term. A man of action, Don started Xtreme Manufacturing in 2003 to build tele-handlers that would hold up to the tough use of construction and the rental world. Today Xtreme Manufacturing builds the longest lasting tele-handlers in the world. The models range from a tiny 5,000 lb. machine to a monster 70,000 lb. unit.

In 2013 Don bought into Snorkel International, a company that was barely alive, He restructured and brought Snorkel back to the world-class manufacturer it is today. The tour took us to the finishing area for the “Xtreme Cubes” where we were able to walk through some of the units including portable laboratories, Dining and kitchen facilities, restrooms and even cubes for growing plants. (Wacky Tobacco). I overheard one member saying to their spouse they didn’t really realize the economic benefits of the new laws. Everyone was impressed with the company and most had no idea such an impressive company was operating and creating jobs right in our valley. It was a beautiful day, great meal, wonderful tour and a good time was had by all. Thanks to Don Ahern, Patrick Fisher and the Xtreme Snorkel Crew for putting up with us.

More trips and tours are on the way.  Check us out if you are interested in the old car hobby.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 2017
TO BE HELD AT THE BLUE OX TAVERN THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 5825 W. SAHARA AVE.
JUST EAST OF BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY TELEPHONE: 871-2536
SOCIAL HOUR AND DINNER 6:00 PM MEETING 7:00 PM
GUESTS ARE WELCOME