Boat Equipment Manufacturer Thrives on Dry Land
For a company that makes boat and marine accessories, Ida Grove, Iowa, may seem an unlikely place for headquarters. But in the middle of northwest Iowa, miles from natural lakes and large rivers, Midwest Industries has thrived for more than 50 years.
The reason? Perhaps it was the vision of its founder Byron Godberson, a manufacturing pioneer in the area and influential member of the Ida Grove community. Or perhaps it’s been the company’s ability to diversify, look for innovative ways to meet customer needs, and strive to build the best products in their market. Midwest’s current management describes their company’s success as a combination of all of the aforementioned reasons plus the culture that has been built into the company through the community.
“The community is part of the company,” said Jeff Ogren, human resources manager. “Most companies want to remain part of the community, but for Midwest, the community is part of who we are and, as a family-owned company, we have a more personal connection to our employees because of the culture established here.”
Midwest, an internationally recognized manufacturer of ShoreLand’r boat trailers and ShoreStation boat hoists, started as a farm equipment manufacturer. Specifically, Godberson invented a grain hoist, which launched the company in 1954. About five years later, due to his growing passion for boating, Godberson created and started manufacturing a boat hoist which quickly became the industry standard. Then to meet the growing needs of the marine market, in the 1970s Midwest started manufacturing boat trailers. Their ShoreLand’r brand is one of the most recognizable names in the boat trailer industry.
For a large manufacturer with more than 300 employees in a small community of just over 2,000 people, filling workforce needs might appear to be a concern. Lyle Holmes, of Midwest’s employment management, acknowledges that sometimes there’s need for creativity when looking for workers to fill positions. However, longevity is prevalent among the workforce at the company.
“There are a lot of long-term employees at Midwest,” said Holmes. “Many with 25 - 30 years of experience - actually a lot with that many years. It’s a small community, so many have made their homes here. Still others commute 50 - 60 miles.”
Both Jeff and Lyle attribute low employee turnover to the “very stable and well-kept” Ida Grove area and to the corporate culture. Midwest touts a “uniquely dynamic work environment that encourages employees to embrace change as they grow, evolve and reach their personal goals.”
Growth is nothing new to Midwest Industries which today is a large industrial complex located on 15 acres of land, eight of which are under one roof. In addition there is a convention, testing and display facility located on a private lake - built for the company - near the plant. All phases of the manufacturing process from purchasing the raw materials to selling the finished product, are conducted at the Ida Grove facility. Additional growth is occurring at present, due to recent changes in their business plan.
“Last year we made the decision to change marketing strategy and focus on distribution, which would require a centrally located, 40,000 sq. ft. distribution warehouse,” said Ogren. “The strategy was to keep more product on hand to supply dealers and distributors in a more timely manner.”
According to Ogren, economic development officials at the local and state level, together with their area’s state representative, worked diligently to make sure Midwest had the resources it needed to make the decision to build the facility in Ida Grove. An enterprise zone was established which provided state and local tax incentives. And a new jobs-training program was established with Western Iowa Tech Community College.
“The incentives helped us make the decision to build the warehouse here,” said Ogren. And construction is nearing completion. The change in marketing strategy has resulted in the addition of 26 full-time positions, with 20 - 25 more anticipated.
With innovative ways to assist business and whet their appetite for growth, perhaps the state of Iowa can’t completely be called “dry” land.
