The National Federation of Small Business monthly indicator of business confidence recently hit the second highest mark since 2007. During the recent turbulence in America’s economy, business people began thinking outside the box, and reinventing the proverbial wheel. One such company who is coloring outside the lines while drawing a picture of growth is ICP Northwest based in Prineville.
Located at the former site of Workman and Sons on Peters Road, ICP Northwest has been in business for seven years, and their products definitely meet the definition of “unique.”
Everyone has seen trains full of cargo or ships with storage containers stacked 15 high. Have you ever wondered what happens to those containers when shipping companies replace them? I can’t tell you what happens to all of them, but some end up right here in Central Oregon, and they are recycled into something wonderful by ICP Northwest.
A container that may have carried auto parts across a vast ocean, now houses a mobile command and control center for a wildfire or natural disaster. A container that carried American Oak furniture to a store in Europe now sits on a private lot, providing housing for someone who suffers from multi chemical sensitivity.
“There aren’t a lot of options out there for people who suffer with multi chemical sensitivity,” said John Knotek, managing partner. “This is one of the things we do that makes me feel like we are filling a need, and truly helping some folks who don’t have the easiest life.”
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, in broad terms, means an unusually severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to many different kinds of chemicals found in everyday products, as well as VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), perfumes, petrol, diesel, smoke, “chemicals” in general and often encompasses problems with regard to pollen, house dust mites and pet fur and dander. The housing units provided by ICP, take all of these factors into consideration when building, and create an environment free from the irritants. All of these types of residential housing are built according to ADA (American’s With Disabilities Act) standards.
A few of their other products include Mobile Command & Ground Control Centers, Fail Safe Communications Platforms, Mobile Rapid Response and Support Units, Emergency Response Rental Fleet, Portable or Permanent Crew Bunkhouses, Office Units, Toilet/Shower Facilities and VIP/Supervisor Residential Units.
All of these products can be customized to the size the customer wants. One container can be converted, or several units can be merged together to create a large multi room structure.
No matter the product, they are filling another community need. They are providing jobs to a struggling building industry.
“We really want to put people back to work,” said Knotek. “Business shouldn’t always be just about the dollar, it should also be about the people that need work, especially in our own community.”
ICP hires local labor, and strives to use local subcontractors. “The people in Prineville are amazing,” said Knotek. “We made a commitment to the City of Prineville when we started here; hire local.”
ICP is not just creating local jobs, but they are committed to helping veterans returning from combat. Thirty percent of their labor force is veterans. They are also extremely community minded. A project that Knotek is especially excited about is an apprenticeship for the Crook County High School.
“Local High School students will be able to participate in an internship program. They will learn valuable job skills, and will be able to personally design and build needed facilities for the local school district, concession stands, bathroom and other sanitary facilities, etc.,” Knotek said. “The kids will be involved in the entire project, from the design, to the finished construction. The finished product will then go to the school.”
With all of the unrest in the world, and the uncertainty of the economy, ICP Northwest is committed to being a productive positive example of industry, and committed to being a vital part of the Prineville community.
