RCO Engineering

Who We Are

One Partner – From Concept to Production

We are creative designers and engineers, accomplished prototype builders, testing experts and comprehensive production specialists. We deliver on promises in our facilities with talented people, advanced technology and proprietary processes honed over our 43 years.

Simply put, we transform basic ideas into products that perform well in the market. This unique, do-it-all approach earned us a solid reputation as the go-to partner for hundreds of companies. We’re proud that many of the world’s iconic automotive, aerospace, and defense brands rely on us every day.

The Heart of What We Do

From the early days onward, RCO has earned trust from the automotive industry’s leading brands. By the mid-1980s, we were a go-to partner for automotive engineering, prototyping, and product development services with particular expertise as one of the leading automotive seat manufacturers. As client needs grew, we expanded our capabilities and offerings. This led to important roles within the aerospace design industry as well as the defense industry.

Today, our employees find that RCO operates under the same values that Paul, Sr. had when he started the company. These values eventually formed the basis for RCO's operating philosophy. Emphasis is placed on teamwork and respect for our employees. These values, along with our never ending quest to provide our customers with excellent quality, service, and value will ensure that RCO Engineering, Inc. will be a competitive force well into the 21st Century.

Company History

The Beginning - 1973

The late Paul Carollo, Sr. and two partners recognized opportunity to better serve the growing automotive industry with prototyping services for engineering design and testing purposes. In 1973, RCO Engineering, Inc. opened for business in metro Detroit’s Roseville. Less than a year later, the U.S. economy took a damaging hit from an oil crisis. Countless small businesses serving the auto industry shuttered. Anticipating a likely RCO bankruptcy, Paul’s partners headed in a new direction.

1974

At a proverbial crossroad, Paul faced paralyzing uncertainty. From the devastation of 1974 came an extraordinarily powerful development in Paul’s life: He committed himself to the Lord, Jesus Christ. In this deep faith, Paul discovered wisdom, inspiration and strength never before revealed to him.

1975

From the early days onward, RCO earned trust from the automotive industry’s leading brands. By the mid-1980s, we were a go-to partner for automotive engineering prototyping and product development services with particular expertise as one of the leading automotive seat manufacturers. As client needs grew, we expanded our capabilities and offerings. This led to an important role within the aerospace design industry as well as the defense industry.

1980

RCO dramatically expands engineering, design, and testing capabilities with the addition of robust plastic and molded foam departments, powered by experienced staff and advanced equipment. RCO earns automotive seat foam product development expertise.

1984-1988

RCO expands and opens a foundry enabling us to pour our own aluminum tooling. Today the foundry produces aluminum and composite tooling to support acoustical, carpet and foam commodities.

Client needs prompt the addition of contract labor/staffing services. A CNC department is added to further expand our tooling capabilities with metal, wood and other composites cutting.

1989

New buildings are constructed to accommodate additional metal fabrication equipment and metal stamping offerings. A fabric sewing and cutting department is launched.

2001

RCO received a call from one of our large seat customers in Plymouth. They had made a decision to close down their seat testing operation and wanted someone to take over that activity as well as manage all of their outsourced prototype work, which included Sheet Metal, Foam and Plastic. Over the course of just a couple weeks, RCO was able to put together a proposal that addressed all of these items and our Product Evaluation group was born. RCO opened its sophisticated and technology-packed, A2LA-accredited Testing and Validation Facility in Plymouth, Michigan.

2008

RCO enters into the aerospace engineering industry with custom aircraft seating programs for a leading aerospace brand. An aerospace design department is formed, and additional advanced equipment and technology is introduced. A growing list of aerospace engineering clients strengthens offerings including cutting-edge molded carbon fiber processing.

2010

Recognized as a General Motors Supplier of the Year for efficient staffing services that helped position several key programs for success. General Motors was RCO's first customer back in 1973.

RCO Today

Today, RCO Engineering remains family-owned, and continues to thrive with its true-to-our-roots ethics, approach, and constant evolution. We understand that our most important asset is the relationship we have with our customer. Moving forward we will continue to provide them with the highest quality products and services. Our goal is to meet and exceed their expectations in cost, service, and technology.