Profile of a Patriot

Through the Energy Patriot, Senator Lugar profiles a student, professional, scholar, or member of the business community who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to improve America's energy security. In addition to the profile posted here, individuals will receive a certificate designating them Lugar Energy Patriots, and a letter of congratulations.

Rob Lykins
Productive Concepts, Inc.

Home to the first car built in the state, Union City is an important part of Indiana’s history of automotive technology. 

Today, Rob Lykins, a Union City native and Ball State graduate, is combining that traditional manufacturing expertise with innovative technologies to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. 

In 1999, Rob founded Productive Concepts, Inc. (PCI) as a contract manufacturer to perform assembly, sequencing and just-in-time delivery capabilities.  Business grew quickly and in 2004, PCI broke ground on a new 75,000 square foot facility.  At the same time, Rob began looking at ways to diversify PCI’s business. 

In 2006, an opportunity presented itself when a customer recommended PCI to a Vancouver, Canada, based company that designs hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) components and was looking for a manufacturing partner.

Since then, PCI strives to be “everything alternative fuels” to its customers as Rob puts it, and its production lines are busy adding fuel saving technologies to a variety of transportation and commercial vehicles including trucks, shuttles and buses.

With diesel prices well over $4 per gallon, “people are taking a serious look now as whether to convert entire fleets,” said Lykins. 

Using its high volume production lines, PCI is a leader in hybrid electric and propane conversions and compressed natural gas solutions.  Not only do these technologies save money and fuel for PCI’s customers, they also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Thanks to PCI, Randolph Eastern Schools became the first school district in Indiana to have a hybrid school bus pass state inspection in January 2008.  As a result, Rob believes that PCI is the only company in North America that has certification from a state or department of education to retrofit school buses. 

PCI’s emphasis on alternative fuels is not only attracting new customers throughout Indiana and the U.S., but it is also motivating staff.  According to PCI Plant Manager Bob Williams, “This isn’t just salesmanship, I feel like I’m making a difference in the world.  It’s exciting to wake up, come to work and try to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

“I’m an entrepreneur – always looking into the future and always trying to be on the cutting edge,” said Rob.  For the moment, Lykins and PCI see alternative fuels as an important part of their business and our future. 

Senator Lugar agrees. That is why we congratulate Rob Lykins and PCI on being a Lugar Energy Patriot.