On 15 Years: Investing in Our Future
We’ve grown since our first manufacturing site in Oak Creek, WI fifteen years ago to our now eight locations. We couldn’t have seen this expansion without smart investments back into our business. Growth became necessary as we needed to expand our supply chain inventories, increase production efficiency, and expand both quality control and applications lab potential. With a continuous focus on long-term growth, CEO and founder, Dale Clark, prioritized investments back into our company at multiple levels.
Expanding Lab Operations Capabilities
Expanding out of our first location, we moved in to our main operations facility in Milwaukee, WI. The moved allowed us to create lab space for applications equipment. As an example, recent installation allowed us the capacity to create hand sheets with our lab scale pulp press, an investment and commitment for our paper industry clients. We recognized early on that service opportunities existed to help advance our products with the industries applications. While many suppliers treat paper dye products as commodities, our equipment allows us to apply a colorant into the pulping process for end result verification.
We did similar installations with our leather lab in Milwaukee, WI and in Leon, Mexico. Both expanded to not only test for quality control on key raw ingredients, but also through to application for end use testing. We’re able to fully apply leather chemical and colorant products in a lab setting for end result verification on the substrate our customer uses.
Growing Our Logistic Footprint
On an ev
en grander scale, we acquired our latest facility in Dalton, Georgia. This investment allows us to expand our textile, carpet, and fiber lab capabilities for colorant applications on numerous types of fibers and substrates used in the industry. We improved production flow with a larger facility and ability to receive bulk tanker capacities. Our lab capabilities grew while we scaled our water-based padding applications and increased the size of the lab. This location is now our largest facility, with plans to grow into the space with further production capabilities and warehousing services. While the relocation provided us short-term benefits, we made sure the long-term benefits met or exceeded them to stay true to the goals of our company.
Over the last fifteen years, we’ve been strategic in our commitment to setting up distribution and manufacturing locations that best service our clients. We recognize the importance of working with a supplier that keeps inventory close to home. It secures your supply chain and reduces your costs. These ideas led to our Albany, NY warehouse and Charlotte, NC locations. Both supply products to more than ten states for industries ranging from textile, paper, leather, military, coatings, and several others.
Valuing Time, Resources, and Research
Besides our investment in our locations, we also value the capital that comes with time, expertise and research and development. On more than one occasion we receive compliments on our expertise and the time we make for our clients. These result in the customer experiencing end product improvements, time and cost savings, and simplified processes. It’s hard proof that this type of capital spent is an investment in itself. We don’t take it lightly, as we know it’s not something all chemical and colorant manufacturers and suppliers care to provide as a corporate standard procedure.
Whether you’re a new or existing customer, we strive to invest in finding solutions that benefit your business. We want to be a partner that is more than just a “wholesaler,” but also one who can bring value to your bottom line. Conversations beyond the products are our true specialty. Our goal – from the beginning – is to continue to strive for long-term growth over short-term solutions to best benefit you as a complete partner.
About the Author: Jerry Fitzpatrick
