Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI), the parent company of Sudenga Industries, Inc. and Dur-A-Lift, Inc. has broken ground on a new multi-million-dollar production facility expansion in George, IA.
The project significantly expands the production footprint of the company with a 150,000-square-foot facility, which is the floor-space equivalent to over two-and-a-half football fields.
When the new facility comes online in late 2023, DTI’s manufacturing and warehouse space will total over 350,000 square feet at their plant in Northwest Iowa.
DTI’s last major expansion was in 2014, when a 26,000-square-foot Dur-A-Lift manufacturing facility was completed.
An aerial shot of the new facility’s footprint. Photo courtesy of DTI“When we decided to expand the Dur-A-Lift facility back in 2014, we affirmed that our home here in George & Lyon County had everything we needed to continue growing here," Chuck Sjogren, president of DTI, said. "I’m pleased to say that still holds true now in 2022 and beyond.”
Focusing on workforce needs
Sjogren says the expansion will focus on workforce needs and expectations too.
“Having more workspace under one roof is a game-changer, but we’ve also spent a lot of time looking at ways to improve the workday experience for our staff through this expansion," he said.
"These improvements will include year-round climate control in the shop, modernized break areas, new offices, improved training facilities and advanced research and development facilities."
The expansion is expected to create up to 10 new jobs within three years, as well as retain the current employee base of approximately 200 workers.
Focused on grain, feed and seed handling equipment
DTI’s Sudenga division serves agricultural and OEM manufacturing markets, manufacturing grain, feed and seed handling equipment.
Dur-A-Lift builds truck and van-mounted aerial lifts for the electric utility, sign & lighting, telecommunications, tree care, and rental industries. Both divisions have seen recent and sustained growth.
“Strong demand and the introduction of new products in our Dur-A-Lift and Sudenga product lines have increased opportunities, said Greg Ver Steeg, vice president of DTI.
"Our backlog is at record levels in both divisions, and we’ve been fortunate to experience exceptional growth within the past 10 years," said Ver Steeg.
"This expansion positions us to capitalize on the opportunities we are facing well into the future."
According to DTI, Sudenga is one of the largest manufacturers of farm implements in the country, and Dur-A-Lift is one of the fastest-growing, family-held manufacturers of aerial lifts in the nation. Products from both companies are distributed domestically and internationally through reseller distribution channels.
