When Hany Koury, PMI Industries Supply Chain Manager, graduated from the American University in Cairo, Egypt, he planned to become a fighter pilot in the U.S Air Force (USAF). A chance meeting changed his plans, however.
He was offered a great opportunity to work with a global aerospace and defense company, which was starting to deploy its F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft to Egypt. The person who recruited him said they needed someone with Hany’s unique skills, conversant in multiple languages and knowledgeable in computer science, to help manage logistics. Hany accepted the challenge.
For nearly two decades, Hany remained in the Middle East before moving to the U.S. to live near his mom and relatives in northeast Ohio. Hany, who previously had only worked for large, multinational corporations in start-up mode in Egypt, decided to take an inventory control position at a small, family-run business. He liked the atmosphere immediately, especially seeing the direct results of his suggestions and effort.
A few years later, Hany began looking for a new challenge and found a supply chain management opportunity at PMI Industries. He applied and was hired to join PMI’s family-run team.
Hany & his wife enjoying a sunset sail on their sailboat.
“I felt how strong family was here,” Hany said. “Bob Eucker and Allan Metzler, who started PMI and worked here until they retired, treated me as part of the family from Day 1.”
Since 2008, Hany has had a front row seat to PMI Industries’ growth as a global leader in engineered protection solutions for underwater marine cable connectors and subsea cable terminations. Now, after 17 years at PMI, Hany plans to retire later this year.
Hany, an avid sailor, has a fresh challenge awaiting him. He and his wife will sail their 40-foot sailboat through the Erie Canal to the Hudson River and along the East Coast. They plan to make Oriental, NC, their home port, visiting family in Ohio periodically.
Have you always worked in the same department and role?
I’ve always worked as a supply chain manager. PMI was very small when I started. We worked mostly with the U.S. Department of Defense. Our DYNA hanger system was just starting up. That is what really launched PMI. After this product was introduced, PMI’s reputation skyrocketed.
What gave you the most satisfaction at work?
Being part of this company and watching it grow, especially internationally. I consider PMI to be one of the top underwater cable solutions providers in the world, thanks in part to our engineers and products.
I worked alongside great engineers like Frank Albert, the PMI engineer who earned several patents and designed several products, including what is known as the EVERFLEX™ BSR Bending Strain Relief product; Bill Green; Konstantin Nakovski, and Jay Marino, P.E., PMI Manager, Engineering, Government Services and Test Lab. They developed amazing products, including the Dyna II® family, a product line that is changeable, adjustable, and reliable. Reliability at sea is a big deal. We have people on ships who specifically ask for our products.
What have your biggest contributions been while here?
My contribution has been to find sources and suppliers. I work closely with our sales, engineering, and operations departments to determine demand requirements, develop action plans to cover supply gaps, and procure manufacturing supplies to be used on the production floor and lab areas.
What are the most significant changes that you have noticed at PMI Industries since you started here?
The way we define ourselves. We’re not a manufacturing company. We are an engineering company that makes solutions. We make a part to solve a customer’s order to their specifications. Plus, we’re able to design, manufacture, and test in a state-of-the-art facility that provides increased production and testing space.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be “when you grow up”?
I wanted to be a fighter pilot in the US Air Force. That opportunity never happened but I was still able to become a recreational pilot and fly gliders with and without motors. One of my favorite hobbies is operating remote-controlled airplanes and sailboats.
Do you have any advice for people just starting at PMI Industries?
Work hard and dream big. This is an amazing company to work for.
