Every Unico System begins long before it is installed in a home or building. Behind each system is a team of skilled employees who fabricate, assemble, test, and prepare the equipment for shipment right here in the United States.
The Unico System is manufactured by SGI Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Unico, Inc., at our facility in Arnold, Missouri. While advanced technology plays an important role in the manufacturing process, much of what goes into each system still relies on hands-on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the experience of the people building it.
To take you behind the scenes, we sat down with Rich Martin, who has been with Unico for more than 20 years and currently oversees plant operations. Rich shared what goes into manufacturing The Unico System, how quality is maintained from start to finish, and why American manufacturing continues to be an important part of who we are.
Meet Rich Martin, Plant Operations Leader
Can you tell us a little about your role at The Unico System and what you oversee in manufacturing?
My main job is keeping our assembly operations and sheet metal fabrication teams running smoothly and safely every day. I focus on supporting our floor teams so we can efficiently build our blowers, coils, tubing, and other product offerings without ever cutting corners on quality.
I also monitor inventory levels and purchasing to make sure our teams have the materials they need to keep production moving.
From Fabrication to Shipment: How The Unico System Is Made
When someone purchases The Unico System, what goes into manufacturing that product before it leaves our facility?
It’s a combination of advanced technology and real hands-on labor.
In our fabrication area, automated lasers precision-cut flat sheet metal panels. Those parts then move to assembly, where our teams install insulation, build the blowers, and assemble the copper and aluminum coils.
From there, everything is assembled, tested, packaged, and shipped from our facility. There are a lot of steps and a lot of people involved before the finished Unico System is ready to leave our plant.
Quality Control at Every Step
Quality is a major focus at Unico. What quality control measures are in place throughout the manufacturing process?
We don’t just pull random units from a batch and test those. We check every single blower and coil section that comes off the line.
Each one goes through a strict, multi-point checklist. We physically connect the equipment to power, run the motors, test the electronics, and verify that everything is operating correctly.
If it isn’t right, it doesn’t go in a box.
What Makes Small-Duct System Manufacturing Different?
What makes manufacturing The Unico System different from manufacturing conventional HVAC equipment?
A lot of conventional HVAC equipment is mass-produced on large, highly automated assembly lines. The Unico System is a much more specialized build.
Because our small-duct systems rely on higher pressure to move conditioned air through smaller ductwork, our manufacturing tolerances have to be incredibly tight. Internal sealing and insulation have to be precise, which requires a high level of attention and hands-on craftsmanship throughout the manufacturing process.
Why American Manufacturing Matters
Many people don’t realize that The Unico System is manufactured in the United States. Why is domestic manufacturing so important to the company and its customers?
Manufacturing here gives us greater control over our engineering standards, quality, and supply chain.
For our customers and distributors, domestic manufacturing also means they aren't necessarily waiting months for equipment or parts to arrive on a container ship from overseas. When they need a system or replacement part, we're able to respond quickly while providing the level of quality they expect from The Unico System.
There is also a sense of pride that comes with knowing the products leaving our facility are being built by an American workforce right here in Missouri.
Build America, Buy America Compliance
The Unico System is Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliant. What does that mean from a manufacturing perspective, and why is it important?
From the manufacturing side, BABA compliance requires us to be extremely disciplined about where our raw materials and components come from.
Our iron, steel, and applicable manufactured components have to meet specific domestic sourcing requirements, and we maintain the documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance.
That is important because BABA requirements apply to many federally funded infrastructure projects. Having compliant equipment can make The Unico System an option for projects where domestic sourcing requirements must be met.
How Manufacturing Has Evolved
How has manufacturing evolved during your time at Unico? Are there any improvements or technologies that have made a significant impact?
We've done a great job of introducing automation where it makes sense without losing the hands-on approach that is so important to our manufacturing process.
One of the biggest advancements has been investing in our automated TRUMPF laser cutting and metal storage system in the fabrication area. It handles repetitive metal cutting with incredible speed and accuracy.
That allows technology to take care of some of the heavy, repetitive work while our assembly teams can focus their attention on building, assembling, inspecting, and testing the equipment.
The People Behind The Unico System
What part of the manufacturing process do you think would surprise customers or contractors the most?
I think people would be surprised by how much human craftsmanship is still involved.
We have high-tech equipment like our automated lasers, but there are still people wiring boards, installing insulation, assembling coils, and inspecting equipment.
The Unico System isn't simply stamped out by robots moving down a conveyor belt. There are skilled people involved throughout the process.
Pride in Every System We Build
What makes you most proud of the work your team does every day?
Their attitude and how much they care.
The people on our floor treat these systems like they're going into their own homes. When an issue comes up, they work together to solve it right away.
Seeing that pride and teamwork translate into a quality product shipping out the door every day is the best part of the job.
What We Want Customers to Know
If there is one thing you wish contractors, distributors, and homeowners understood about how The Unico System is built, what would it be?
I'd want them to know there are real people and a lot of heart behind every product we build.
We aren't an unmonitored mass-production factory. A local, hardworking team built your system, tested it, and stands behind the work they did to help make sure your home stays comfortable.
More Than a Manufacturing Process
From precision laser cutting to hands-on assembly and individual product testing, manufacturing The Unico System is a combination of technology, craftsmanship, and people who take pride in what they build.
For more than 20 years, Rich has watched that manufacturing process evolve, but one thing has remained consistent: the importance of building a quality product and standing behind it.
Today, SGI Manufacturing continues to manufacture The Unico System in Arnold, Missouri, supporting Unico's commitment to American manufacturing while producing small-duct, high-velocity HVAC equipment for homes and buildings across the United States and around the world.
