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.

RCO's old headquarters on the east side of metro Detroit.

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.

RCO's headquarters in Roseville Michigan.

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.

RCO Technologies A2LA accredited automotive test lab in Plymouth Michigan

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.

A high end business jet interior with leather appointed seats.

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.

RCO's headquarters in Roseville, Michigan pictures on a beautiful summer day.

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.

"At a proverbial crossroad, Paul faced paralyzing uncertainty. From the devastation of 1974 came an extraordinarily powerful development in Paul’s life."