Joe Lark, NRP Jones | The Manufacturing Outlook | Domestic Hose Manufacturer of the YearJoe Lark, VP of Business Development
In an era when ‘Made in the USA’ is more than just a label— it’s a statement—NRP Jones stands as a rare example of true American manufacturing. At a time when industries have outsourced production and supply chains have become increasingly fragile, NRP Jones has remained committed to producing high-quality hydraulic and industrial hoses, fittings, and assemblies right here in the U.S.

What began as a small screw machine product company, Jones Enterprises, in La Porte, IN, has grown into a powerhouse in the fluid conveyance industry. Early on, the company made its mark by supplying hose fittings to other industry companies. But its real breakthrough came with the invention of the two-piece “Skive” fitting—an innovation that shaped the industry for more than 40 years. This legacy of engineering excellence and success paved the way for NRP Jones to expand into full-scale hose production, making it one of the last fully integrated manufacturers of its kind in the U.S.

“We simplify the toughest challenges in the fluid conveyance industry so you can keep moving forward. With expert knowledge, innovative solutions, and high-quality Made in the USA hydraulic hoses, we strive to be the most reliable and trusted solutions provider,” says Joe Lark, VP of Business Development at NRP Jones.

As American manufacturing fights to reclaim its strength in a globalized economy, NRP Jones is proof that quality, innovation, and domestic production can still go hand in hand. As a dominant force in the domestic market, its role has never been more crucial. In today’s volatile global trade landscape—where tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability have left companies globalized economy, NRP Jones is proof that quality, innovation, and domestic production can still go hand in hand. As a dominant force in the domestic market, its role has never been more crucial. In today’s volatile global trade landscape—where tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability have left companies searching for reliable U.S.-based suppliers—NRP Jones stands as a trusted, homegrown solution.

Smarter, Stronger, and More Efficient Solutions

NRP Jones isn’t just about meeting industry standards—it redefines them. Its hydraulic hoses adhere to strict Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) specifications, but the company’s true strength lies in its ability to guide customers toward better and more cost-effective solutions. NRP Jones takes the role of a solutions partner with a proactive approach, helping customers transition to superior options that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

  • We simplify the toughest challenges in the fluid conveyance industry so you can keep moving forward. With expert knowledge, innovative solutions, and high-quality Made in the USA hydraulic hoses, we strive to be the most reliable and trusted solutions provider

The company’s dedication to domestic manufacturing is evident in its production numbers—85 percent of its couplings are still made in La Porte, Indiana, and 80 percent of its hose offerings come out of Nephi, Utah. This commitment extends to niche markets like oil and gas, where NRP Jones produces high-performance rotary hoses for drilling applications. As one of only two domestic manufacturers certified by API to produce these specialized hoses, the company enjoys a distinct competitive advantage.

Additionally, NRP Jones completed assembly services through its Indiana, Hytek, production facility, which primarily focuses on producing hose assemblies for OEMs, retailers, and other market channels.

An Innovation Success in Agricultural Manufacturing

Beyond its strong manufacturing capabilities, NRP Jones also prides itself on maintaining long-term partnerships with clients. A prime example is a recent success story in the agricultural sector. One of NRP Jones’ long-standing customers was able to significantly enhance its workflow efficiency.

By working closely with the customer, NRP Jones successfully transitioned them to an enhanced hose design, reducing their production time and costs. This new-to-market hose proved far more efficient than the solution they had used for years. This success underscores NRP Jones’ commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive efficiency and add value for its customers.

The People Behind NRP Jones’ Growth

At the heart of NRP Jones’ achievements lies a leadership team committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence. Over the past year and a half, the company has undergone a complete leadership transformation, bringing in a dynamic management team to revitalize, rebuild, and rebrand the organization. Starting in late 2023 Joe Kochan, CEO, has been re-energizing the company with a new team with fresh eyes, focus, and direction. “NRP Jones has an exciting and foundation place in fluid conveyance industry history. Over the last year we have taken our pivotal name and have moved it from a stale second or third call to being the first one,” says Kochan.

These new team members have brought vital experience both from within and outside the industry. “We have strategically hired sales and support personnel with relevant field experience, many of whom have worked for prominent industry companies. These strategic hires have significantly strengthened our team’s capabilities and contributed to our success,” says Lark.

Driving Growth and Innovation

NRP Jones is actively driving immediate and future growth. The company has doubled the size of its sales force and continues to expand its inside sales team. Additionally, it is investing heavily in its facilities, adding numerous CNC machining centers to enhance production capabilities and capacity.

The company’s Nephi, Utah manufacturing operations span 225,000 square feet and are currently undergoing capital improvements, including new equipment installations and plant upgrades. Sustainability is also a growing focus, with the company exploring solar power initiatives and making environmentally friendly improvements, such as upgraded lighting systems. These investments aim to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainability.

A Future of Innovation That Starts Right At Home

NRP Jones’ primary goal is to expand the scope of its domestic product offerings. The company is currently focusing on providing a more comprehensive product line, which involves streamlining and diversifying its product offerings for their customers. The company aims to prioritize key regions and high-demand markets.

NRP Jones is more than just a manufacturer—it is a symbol of American craftsmanship, innovation, and resilience. Since 1945, NRP Jones has evolved from a pioneer in hydraulic fittings to a leader in domestic hose manufacturing—proof of what’s possible when deep expertise meets adaptability.

Their legacy is built on decades of hands-on problem-solving and innovation in fluid conveyance.

For industries where performance and reliability aren’t an option, NRP Jones remains the trusted standard, delivering precision, durability, and unmatched service every step of the way.