Made in the Valley: Kodiak Safe Company
FRESNO, California (KFSN) -- Kodiak Safe Company has been manufacturing custom gun and luxury safes for more than 3 decades.
President Cookie Tanney says the family owned an operated business has grown to 15 employees. They sell anywhere from 100 to 500 safes per year and even take bulk orders.
"Started here in 1981, in the valley. Basically the original over sought after creating a new safe design to increase metal thickness... and overall the exterior look," said Cookie Tanney, Kodiak Safe Company President. "This company has been owned by a fireman, a policeman, and a veteran -- which was my father. And I'm just really proud to carry on the tradition and keep making great safes."
Tanney says the idea is to keep your valuable belongings in a safe place.
"You want to put your firearms away, obviously if you own them. But it goes as far as your jewelry, your social security cards, your birth certificate. These are all things that should be tucked away and all in one spot so you don't loose them," said Tanney.
The company allows customers to customize everything from design and size, to a fire lining option. The metal comes from a company based out of Stockton.
"We start with quarter inch steel. Your safe is going to be a lot heavier than the safe you are going to be able to go to the store and buy. Also the bolts are all active all the way around the door and we use top of the line locks as well," said Tanney. "Everything from the welding to the painting to the interior is all done in our shop."
A CNC machine is used to cut shelves for the gun racks and parts for the door. Once put together, Cookie make sure you can add a little personal flair.
Orders come in from all over California, but owners say you might want to keep in mind the issues surrounding shipping and delivery. Depending on the options the safes can weigh up to 2,500 pounds.
"It is actually quite a feat and kinda fun to watch," said Tanney.
The new line set to come out before Christmas features thicker steel and new shelving designs.
