If you’re driving by McGilchrist and 22nd these days, you’ll see more than just construction equipment and concrete mixers. You’re watching the foundations being poured for Salem’s newest industrial supplier and they’re not your average corporate outfit. ARG Industrial, a fully employee-owned distributor specializing in hydraulic and industrial solutions, officially opens their doors in Salem this summer. So why should Salem businesses sit up and take notice?
Well, it starts with the unusual model that powers the company: every employee owns a piece. Not figuratively—literally. Employee-owned companies are increasingly rare, but ARG Industrial thrives on this approach. Mike Mortensen, ARG’s President and CEO, puts it simply: “Our employee-owners show up every day with skin in the game. This isn’t just a job to them. Every order, every customer interaction is personal.”
That personal touch might be ARG’s ace up their sleeve, especially in Salem’s diverse economy. Local agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and even the booming brewery and winery sectors depend on precision equipment and quick turnaround—exactly ARG’s wheelhouse. Need custom rigging or hydraulic hoses built on-site and on-demand? ARG’s shop promises just that, with technicians crafting specialized hoses right in front of customers. No waiting, no ordering from distant warehouses—just immediate, tangible solutions.
But Salem is more than just a strategic spot on the map to ARG. Mortensen emphasized their commitment to community-building. “We’re not parachuting in and hoping for the best. Salem matches our company culture—trust-based relationships and community involvement matter deeply here, just as they matter deeply to us.” He added that ARG has already jumped into Salem’s community life, notably partnering with Garten Services, Inc. as title sponsor of the annual Sip & Stroll this June. Garten’s role supporting people with disabilities aligns closely with ARG’s own corporate values, making the partnership more than symbolic—it’s meaningful.
When it comes to ARG’s tech-savvy side, Salem businesses might find another advantage. Mike Powers, ARG’s Chief Digital & Technology Officer, described their unique digital platform: “We’ve focused on creating solutions based digital tools for our customers, like our online Hose Builder. With a few simple and intuitive questions, users can create customized hoses online. It doesn’t get more practical than that.” Their eCommerce site alone stocks more than 60,000 items, putting a massive industrial inventory literally at customers’ fingertips—exactly the kind of practical innovation Salem businesses value.
Beyond technology and employee ownership, ARG’s arrival signals something bigger for the Salem economy. Kristen Fail, VP of Acquisition integration at ARG, hinted that Salem’s expansion isn’t isolated; it’s part of a thoughtful strategy. “We’re always scouting new opportunities,” she said. “But our growth isn’t random. We choose locations with strong industry ties, clear needs, and community-focused values. Salem checks every box.”
Local businesses, take note. ARG’s new location isn’t just another storefront—it represents a company culture geared toward real partnership, pragmatic solutions, and long-term investment in the community. As construction crews put finishing touches on the building, Salem’s industrial sector can look forward to an ally genuinely invested in their success.
This summer, Salem won’t just gain another industrial supplier; it’ll gain a community partner—one owned entirely by the people serving you across the counter. Now that’s something worth watching.
