When a company is around for decades there are changes, but there’s also focus.

In this week’s Giving You the Business Report Erie News Now takes you to one of two Erie County locations of a business that starts with spools of thread.

This thread machine takes from spools down below to create various lay flat hoses: the purpose of the Snap Tite Hose Company.

"We manufacturer, we source our materials here domestically, we manufacturer our liners, our jackets, we do everything here where some of the others are assemblers," said James Novinksy, CEO. 

All hoses are tested, but first have quite a process to go through with a dedicated team overseeing the work at two Erie County locations. 

At the Fairview site off West Ridge Road, certain hoses are made in this spacious setting, just like the original Snap Tite site in Union City that opened 50 years ago. 

There have been name changes and advances to keep up with trends. But the main driver of the business is creating safe and durable hoses for firefighters.

"We also make oil and gas hose there, and agriculture hose there," said Brian Carson, Director of Quality Assurance. 

The company recently hired around 100 new employees to keep up with the demand. Snap Tite Hose is helping with a new Warrior Attack Hose, the lay flat hose that can withstand the heat of flames without burning through for a significant stretch of time.

It’s personal for James Novinsky as the CEO’s son is a volunteer firefighter out of state. 

"We have hoses we've been developing that doesn't absorb liquid as much. You have water run off that basically has harmful chemicals in it, so we have hoses that's easier to clean, it absorbs less, so we're really focused on keeping people safe," said Novinksy. 

While the Erie Fire Department uses Snap Tite hoses locally, the company works to service firehouses around the nation.

All the the produced hoses comes out white but per fire departments they are color specific and often times that is because they match the color of the pumps of those departments.  

There are select colors to choose from. Each with a purpose and machines to get them turned to that specific color. The hoses are then lined with rubber and given a final look.

Shipping is done right on site to clients around the world, including the military and forestry service.