In The Cradle of Industry and Liberty

had expanded from smaller pieces for railway
cars and walkways to oversize canopies
and awnings for horse racing tracks, hotels,
country clubs, and retail stores. Verna’s son,
Louis F. Verna, became the third shareholder,
joining the company soon after graduation
from Philadelphia College of Textiles, known
today as Philadelphia University.
By 1972, Ehmke had celebrated its first
year with sales exceeding $1 million. The
following decade, Rowe earned Ehmke its
first government contract when the U.S.P.S.
began using his clamp design to replace the
unreliable rope-and-hem system to securely
close mail bags.
In 1989, Rowe officially retired from the
company and the elder Verna realized it was
time to let his son assume the presidency.
With his son, they began looking for new
business partners to purchase the elder
Verna’s shares and breathe new life into the
company. They found the perfect fit in Cliff
Stokes and Bob Rosania.
Stokes and Rosania had known each other
since their days at Penn Charter and had
remained close friends. Stokes joined Ehmke
right out of college. The chance to work for a
smaller company and the opportunity of stock
ownership interested him. That opportunity
was realized in 1990 when the elder Verna
sold his interest in Ehmke. Two years later,
Rosania joined Ehmke and the leadership of
the company was secure.
The strong partnership resulted in the perfect
formula for success. Under the leadership
of Stokes and Rosania, the company grew
exponentially, commencing with Ehmke’s first
large U.S. Military contract—producing 55,000
medical kit cases for the U.S. Army. A contract
with Boeing resulted in the manufacturing of
thermal acoustic blankets and nose covers for
the Chinook and other helicopters used by
the military.
Verna retired in 2001, selling his interests
to Stokes and Rosania. Since that time,
Ehmke’s growth within the industry has been
remarkable and today is recognized as one
of the industry’s most innovative companies.
Ehmke is a diverse, cutting-edge company
implementing LEAN Manufacturing processes
producing world class quality products for its
customers. The company and its leadership
remain rooted in the dream and commitment
of its founder.
PARTNERS IN BUILDING PHILADELPHIA
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