Locke Supply Marks 70 Years with New Headquarters and Distribution Center
- mike33692
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Story courtesy of KC Sheperd/Oklahoma Farm Report
A New Era for an Oklahoma Company
Locke Supply Company has officially celebrated its 70th anniversary with the grand opening of a state-of-the-art headquarters and distribution
center. The project, four years in the
making, was necessary to meet growing demand and to replace a facility the company had outgrown.
The new center will serve as the central hub for Locke Supply’s operations, with materials shipped to more than 200 store locations across six states.
Locke Employee Ownership at the Core
Founded in Bartlesville in 1955 by Don and Wanda Locke, the company has always emphasized an employee-first philosophy. Locke is 100% employee-owned through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).
Head of Innovation John Orman explained the facility was designed with employees in mind:
“This facility was designed from the inside out for the people that are working here, to give them better conditions, better operations, better processes.”
Orman himself began working at Locke Supply at age 18 while still in high school — a story that reflects the company’s strong promote-from-within culture.
Growth Beyond Supply
While Locke is best known for its plumbing, electrical, and HVAC supply operations, the new facility also supports the company’s expanding business ventures, including:
Cloak Freight: Hauls freight for both Locke Supply and outside customers.
Third-Party Logistics Operations: Services run from the back end of the facility.
These ventures highlight Locke Supply’s commitment to innovation and growth, ensuring its ability to thrive for future generations.
Looking Ahead
With its new headquarters, Locke Supply is preparing for the next 70 years by investing in infrastructure, employees, and innovation. The project solidifies its role as a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s business landscape and a model for employee-owned companies nationwide.
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