OPEX® Corporation Celebrates 50 Years of Leadership in Next-Generation Automation
In 2025, OPEX® Corporation, a global pioneer in Next Generation Automation, celebrates a monumental achievement—50 years under the ownership and leadership of the Stevens family. The company’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to resilience, continuous innovation, and enduring success in a fast-evolving and competitive industry. Guided by the second and third generations of Stevens family leadership, OPEX continues to provide cutting-edge automation solutions for document, mail, and warehouse operations.
David Stevens, President and CEO of OPEX, expressed immense pride in the company’s journey: “We are deeply proud to have served as a trusted industry partner for five decades, helping our clients improve workflow, reduce costs, and drive efficiency. We OPEX® attribute our longevity to the core values my parents established—fostering innovation, maintaining a family-like culture, and prioritizing entrepreneurial agility and sustainability.”
The Beginning of a Legacy: 1975
The story of OPEX’s transformation began in 1975 when Al and Joanna Stevens made a bold decision to purchase the company. At the time, OPEX had fewer than 10 employees and was primarily focused on mail automation. Al Stevens had previously worked at Columbia Records before taking on the role of national sales manager at OPEX. When the opportunity to buy the company presented itself, Al and Joanna took a significant financial risk—they mortgaged their home to fund the purchase and embark on a mission to turn the company around.
Their vision and determination quickly bore fruit. Over the years, OPEX transformed from a small operation into a global leader in automation technology. Today, OPEX boasts a global workforce of nearly 1,600 employees and stands at the forefront of warehouse, document, and mail automation industries.
Pioneering New Frontiers in Automation
The success of OPEX can be attributed to its forward-thinking approach and its ability to adapt to the rapidly changing automation landscape. By leveraging its core expertise in sortation technology, the company successfully expanded beyond mail automation into warehouse OPEX® automation, a key move that has significantly broadened its impact. OPEX’s strategic investments in innovation have allowed it to build an extensive portfolio of over 300 patents, further cementing its role as a leading force in the automation industry.
One of the defining features of OPEX’s success is its ability to stay ahead of the curve. The company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in automation, developing advanced technologies that drive efficiency and optimize operations for clients across various industries. As of today, nearly half of the companies listed in the Fortune 100 rely on OPEX for state-of-the-art automated solutions.
Thriving Through Generations: A Family Business Success
The longevity of OPEX as a family-owned business is an extraordinary achievement. According to Business Week, only 13% of family-owned companies make it to the third generation. OPEX, however, is an outlier, with two generations of the Stevens family continuing to lead the company through changing times. This multi-generational success speaks to the strength of the company’s foundation—one built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to innovation.
Alex Stevens, President of Warehouse Automation at OPEX and son of David Stevens, reflects on the enduring values that have driven the company’s success: “While much has changed in the automation industry over the last five decades, the integrity with which OPEX conducts business and our innovative spirit remain the same. We have always sought new and better ways for customers to transform their operations and automate tasks, and we will continue to reimagine automation technology for the future.”
Looking to the Future: Empowering the E-commerce Revolution
As OPEX celebrates 50 years of growth and success, the company remains dedicated to its mission of transforming business operations and helping clients stay ahead in the age of automation. With e-commerce continuing to drive the evolution of warehouse operations, OPEX is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of logistics and automation. The OPEX® company’s next-generation automation systems are designed to support the fast-paced demands of the e-commerce industry, providing businesses with the tools they need to streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost productivity.
The OPEX® global shift toward automation is showing no signs of slowing down, and OPEX is well-positioned to lead the charge. The company’s advanced solutions are not only transforming industries but are also enabling businesses to achieve new levels of efficiency and operational excellence.
“Looking ahead, we see even greater OPEX® opportunities to innovate and shape the future of automation,” said David Stevens. “The next 50 years will bring new challenges, but we’re ready to continue our legacy of pushing the limits of what’s possible in automation, driving meaningful change for our clients and the industries we serve.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
For OPEX, the past 50 years have been defined by a relentless commitment to innovation and excellence. The OPEX®company’s leadership in the automation space is a reflection of its ability to adapt to change, stay ahead of technological advancements, and maintain a deep focus on customer success. As OPEX celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company remains focused on its mission to transform the future of automation, helping businesses navigate the challenges of an increasingly automated world.
The Stevens family’s unwavering commitment to these values has ensured that OPEX remains a trusted partner in the automation space. Their ability to adapt, evolve, and lead with vision has set the company apart as a true leader in the industry.
Final Thoughts
OPEX® Corporation’s 50-year journey is a powerful story of entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience. From its humble beginnings as a small mail automation OPEX® company to its current status as a global leader in warehouse, document, and mail automation, OPEX has proven that with the right values, leadership, and vision, a company can not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
As the company looks to the future, OPEX will continue to evolve and innovate, always staying ahead of the curve to provide world-class OPEX® automation solutions to its clients. With five decades of experience, a commitment to excellence, and a legacy of leadership, OPEX is well-equipped to tackle the next 50 years and beyond, driving the future of automation for years to come.
