Our Legacy of Reliability: The Kirby Risk Story
At Kirby Risk, our story begins with a spark of vision and a foundation of hard work. In 1926, J. Kirby Risk laid the cornerstone of our company in a humble, abandoned blacksmith shop on North Second Street in Lafayette, Indiana. What started as a modest operation quickly grew into a business built on integrity, dedication, and a relentless commitment to serving others.
By 1934, the company had evolved into Kirby Risk Electric Company, sharpening its focus on the wholesale distribution of electrical supplies and electric motor sales and service. This strategic pivot laid the groundwork for decades of growth and innovation.
In 1946, recognizing the need for specialization, the business was incorporated into two distinct entities:
- Kirby Risk Supply Company, Inc.
- Kirby Risk Electric Motors, Inc.
This move allowed each segment to thrive independently while remaining united under the Kirby Risk name—a name synonymous with trust and performance.
As our footprint expanded, so did our infrastructure. By the end of 1981, we relocated our corporate headquarters to Sagamore Parkway, marking a new chapter of operational excellence. That same year, Kirby Risk Distribution and Service, Inc. merged with Kirby Risk Supply Company, Inc., solidifying our commitment to streamlined service and customer-first solutions.
Meanwhile, our electric motor repair division was rebranded as the Kirby Risk Service Center, expanding its capabilities at First and Smith Streets. Just a decade later, in a bold move to enhance our product offerings, Kirby Risk Supply acquired ARCO Electric Products Corporation, further strengthening our position in the industry.
Today: A Unified Force of Solutions
The Kirby Risk Corporation now encompasses a dynamic portfolio of specialized business segments, each designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers:
- Kirby Risk Electrical Supply
- Kirby Risk Mechanical Solutions and Services
- Kirby Risk Precision Machining
- Kirby Risk Service Center
- Kirby Risk Datacom Solutions
- Kirby Risk Intelligent Industry Solutions
- ARCO
- CIM SYSTEMS ROBOTICS
Together, these segments form a powerful network of expertise, delivering responsive service, quality products, and problem-solving solutions that our customers have come to rely on.
Honoring Our Founder: Celebrating Founder’s Day
To honor the legacy of J. Kirby Risk and the values he instilled, we established Founder’s Day—a company-wide celebration of our shared history, achievements, and future. Held annually on or around September 22nd, Founder’s Day is a time to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the principles that continue to guide us. This year, we will be celebrating Founder's Day on Thursday, September 25.