A new partnership with the nation’s largest manufacturer of custom air handling equipment is giving the Center of Family Love’s Filters for Life center in Kingfisher a high-tech upgrade.

Nortek Air Solutions, which builds and sells custom commercial HVAC solutions under the Temtrol brand manufactured in Okarche as well as four other affiliated brands, provided equipment and voluntary manpower to convert the filter center’s largely hand-assembled production to a high tech operation.

A total of 30 Nortek executives, engineers and factory employees volunteered their time Tuesday afternoon to spruce up the 10,000-square-foot air filter fabrication facility by cleaning and painting before installing the new equipment.

The updated equipment will allow the 22 CFL clients and residents who work at the center to more easily meet job quotas to fulfill its contract with the state to provide replacement filters for all state buildings.

With strenuous manual labor tasks replaced with more push-button automation, anticipated production increases will soon allow Nortek to also purchase the facility’s surplus pleated fabric air filters for its Temtrol commercial air handlers it manufactures at its nearby 300,000-square-foot Okarche plant.

The facility also sells its filters directly to home and business owners.

Kevin Flynn, Nortek’s vice president of engineering and also the father of a disabled child, was a driving force behind the new partnership, which illustrates Nortek’s corporate philosophy “to create a better tomorrow every day,” a company spokesperson said.

Flynn eventually introduced Buddy Doll, Nortek’s group president to CFL and now many company employees volunteer at CFL in various levels including mentoring.

“Our partnership with NAS is one of the biggest blessings to our ministry. Not only are they helping us improve facilities; they are truly fulfilling every aspect of what a partnership can be between a corporation and a charity,” said Debbie Espinosa, CFL’s President and CEO.

“We are beyond grateful for the financial support and expertise provided by NAS, and while they could’ve just left it at that, they continue to share their time and energy, playing a crucial role in our community and in our residents’ lives. NAS’ actions demonstrate what a partnership is truly about.”

CFL provides direct-care for more than 130 adults living with intellectual and physical disabilities, many of whom reside at the 39-year-old organization’s 11-building, 20-acre Okarche campus.

After completing upgrades at the Kingfisher air filter facility, Nortek representatives spent additional time Tuesday afternoon volunteering and interacting with residents at the Okarche campus.

“When two great organizations come together, they can make a difference for people who just need the opportunity to do great things, too,” said Doll.

“The CFL partnership has also changed the lives of our employees too. Giving back to such a worthy cause, has left a lifetime impression on our employees.”

The community service day, which is one of many planned for 2020, concluded with a fellowship reception attended by Nortek, CFL employees and CFL residents on the Okarche campus.