NewHavenBIZ

5 NEW HAVEN BIZ | NOVEMBER 2022 | BUSINESS PROFILES "N ecessity is the mother of invention," according to a well- known proverb. And during the pandemic, that existential challenge has been met by many U.S. businesses – big and small. One example is North Branford-based Autac Inc., a leading manufacturer of power cords with a niche in coiled cords, or what are often referred to as curly cords. CEO Marie-Louise Burkle developed a "Retracti-Cord" for her Covid-19 mask and decided to replicate the idea as an Autac product, available in different sizes. As Burkle explains, "These are small, coiled lanyards (that) allow the user to have their mask attached to their person at all times, easily accessible when needed." The company website notes, "No more walks of shame back to the car or searching your pockets or purse" for your mask. Retracti-Cord is anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti- bacterial, anti-static and flame retardant. It's "safe and useful, not only for masks but also for badges, and other items that are … easily dropped, lost or misplaced." And as we move past the worst of the pandemic, Burkle says she's hoping the Retracti-Cord is flexible enough to find plenty of new uses. Autac was founded in 1947 by her father, Robert Burkle, a pharmaceutical sales rep. From 1947 to 1977, the business distributed neoprene rubber cords. Burkle says her dad had the foresight to diversify into manufacturing. He broke ground on a new plant in 1976, which opened the following year. She began with the company in 1999 as a forensic business consultant. Later, Burkle served as Autac's marketing and public relations director, starting in 2001, and was promoted to CEO in January 2002. "Approaching 20 years in this position, I'm nothing short of grateful for the amazing employees, loyal customers, the experiences, all of it," she says. Burkle, who is active in professional organizations, completed the Women's Leadership Program at the Yale School of Management in 2018 and holds several certifications. In her executive role, she procures sales, markets the company's products and services, oversees human resources and builds vendor relationships. Today, Autac's business is 40% electrical distribution and 60% original equipment manufacturing, Burkle says. The company is capable of producing coil cords in a wide variety of gauge sizes, number of conductors, lengths and colors, including clear. The cords themselves are used in a number of industries, such as power, lighting, food processing, communication, audio and mobile control, health care – "all sorts of medical machinery," Burkle says. "Anywhere, basically, there are moving parts." For instance, Autac produces cords used in exo-skeleton suits for people with paraplegia. The company has customers "all over the place," Burkle says. "We do lots of business in Canada," also sometimes with the U.S. government and the military. A nine-employee firm, Autac manufactures custom items, too, she says, including for a client who is a Maryland farmer. Burkle explains that her company strives to combine excellent customer service with strong ethics. "We are here to run a business we are proud to be a part of." Creativity Helps Manufacturer Adapt to Changing Markets Address: 25 Thompson Road, Branford, CT 06405 Phone: (800) 243-3161 Fax: (203) 488-0496 Website: www.autacusa.com Product or Service: Retractable power cords and coil cords No. of Employees: 9 Top Executive: Marie-Louise Burkle, CEO Year Founded: 1947 The Autac USA team: Seated from left, Victor Quinones and Carlos Roldan; standing from left, Colleen McMurray, Felix Hernandez, Ezequiel Hernandez, Claudia Tucker and Joel Quinones.

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