RANS, Inc., Hays
Address:
4600 HWY. 183 Alt.
Hays, KS 67601
Hays, KS
Hays, 67601 [map this location]
Website:
www.rans.com
An aerial view of the RANS, Inc. plant located near Hays, Kansas. Photo courtesy RANS, Inc.
In 1974, RANS began production of the Sailtrike and expanded its line to include bikes and airplane kits. Photo courtesy RANS, Inc.
The "Big Boy" bicycle, one of many variety of bikes designed and fabricated at RANS. Photo courtesy RANS, Inc.
A RANS version of the recumbent bike. Photo courtesy RANS, Inc.
A different version of the "Big Boy" bicycle. Photo courtesy RANS, Inc.
The "Coyote" plane built from a RANS designed and fabricated kit. Photo courtesy RANS, Inc.
Phone: 785.625.6346
RANS is a finalist because it is a world leader in the ever-growing recumbent bike and kit plane industries.
Established in 1974 by Randy Schlitter on the plains of western
NOTE: The best way to learn about RANS is to go to this website: http://www.rans.com/factoryT.htm
The amazing detail, quality and completeness of a RANS kit plane does not come without a serious investment and commitment to infrastructure. In our case we have a 58 thousand square foot factory with typically 50 plus people employed full time to make the kits happen.
Within our walls many different technologies are in constant process, since we actually build the planes from raw materials.
The factory is actually two large buildings connected by the office complex. In the connecting hallway are about 30 to 35 recumbent and crankforward bikes. Also on the wall of the hallway is a map of the world and many colored stars and dots denote locations of dealers around the world. It is fun to look at this map and realize we have product flying on every country that is free to fly.
Kits are carefully packed and arranged on a "skid" which later is enclosed to become the crate. Our packing crew has experience packing thousands of planes and that shows in the fact kits arrive intact ready to start building.
We run several CNC machines to make the very detailed and precise parts to your kit. These hi-tech modern machines are known for accuracy and quality of cut, making assembly fast.
Our sew shop produces not only the aircraft coverings, but the seat upholstery, canopy covers, and many other items for both bikes and planes.
Aircraft in various stages fill the Assembly Hall. At any one moment at least 7 to 10 planes are under construction. Both production planes and prototypes share this hall, along with our static test equipment and Bike assembly.
Phone: 620-585-2374