Program Dec. 6th. Mark Merriman from Venchurs Packaging

     A big thanks to Tim Robinson for scoring yet another interesting local business person to speak to us.  Mark is the Sales & Marketing Coordinator for Venchurs.  Venchurs began in 1971 as a packager of customization kits for the auto makers.  When the automotive market tanked in 2008, Venchurs realized the need for a wider array of products.  Out of that came VWerks and VVS Conversions.  They currently employ around 225 people with annual sales of $100 million.

     I have attached a couple photos of the custom kits VWerks is producing.  The Red Rocket paint job cost $30,000.  The initial custom vehicles were Jeeps because of the loyal following of Jeep enthusiasts.  They also have full military vehicle packages for others.  The military version pickup truck is capable of 150mph OFF ROAD, is fully bullet proof and has side flame throwers for escape through riotous crowds.   All can be fitted with a variety of military fire power. Representatives and vehicles are affiiated in different ways with "Suns a Guns" Red Rocket Firearms, Leno's Garage, Adam Carolla's "Car Cast" and "Swamp People".  They hope to build on those relationships as well as new ones hopefully with Ford and Cummins.

     VVS Conversions focus is outfitting vehicles (primarily Ford trucks) to run on compressed natural gas (CNG).  That is the same gas you use at your house.  With the right compressor, you could fill-up your tank right at home for a fraction of the cost of gasoline and about the same MPG with about a 200 mile range.  Add another 250 miles if you keep the original gasoline system onboard..  Other advantages of using CNG are; Clean emissions, ample local supplies of fuel, tax credits and political visibility.  Conversions cost around $11,900 and Venchurs is the only Ford approved vendor which means that coverage under factory warranties is not voided.