The best way to understand Koch Industries, Inc. is to view it as a collection of capabilities continually searching for new ways to create value. Its predecessor firm began in Kansas in 1940, with roots in the refining industry.  

Today, the privately owned company is based in Wichita, Kan., and owns a diverse group of companies involved in refining and chemicals; fibers and polymers; commodity and financial trading; and forest and consumer products. Koch companies have a presence in nearly 60 countries and employ about 80,000 people.  

Enhancing the Quality of Life

Koch companies believe that treating others with dignity and respect enables them to reach greater personal achievement. So, Koch companies focus contributions and employee energy on projects that give people a hand up, and propel them toward success. This means supporting groups such as the Salvation Army,  American Red Cross, YMCA and National Conference for Communities and Justice, among others. Koch companies have also supported performing arts and arts education that further enhances the diversity and quality of life in communities.

·   Koch’s continued financial strength is a result of its shareholders historically reinvesting as much as 90 percent of earnings back into the parent company.

·   Each Koch company strives to bring the power of the free-market inside its business to maximize productivity and adaptability. Koch companies concentrate on developing an ability to predict customer needs and to mobilize their employees’ knowledge and talents to meet them. This business philosophy, called Market Based Management®, has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal and Forbes magazine, among others.

·   In addition to growing in its core industries, Koch has expanded its vision to include equity investments in other areas. Koch not only invests capital, but also entrepreneurial talents and business acumen, in firms from technology-oriented start-ups to established companies for which Koch’s capabilities can create value.

·   Koch companies are long-time traders of a wide range of commodities. They apply a disciplined, strategic trading approach, which helps them anticipate market developments in many industries. This approach has led to growth in their trading and risk management businesses and expansion into other areas.

·   Koch companies strive to be world-class, cost-efficient operators of their many facilities. They have earned recognition for superior performance in environmental protection, health and safety. They are humble enough to recognize shortcomings and bold enough to learn from them to achieve superior performance.