Humble Beginnings: VT Industries Celebrates 70 Years of American Craftsmanship in Holstein

VT Industries founder Roger Clausen was born on a farm not too far from Holstein. Graduate of Holstein High, Class of ‘44.

He enjoyed a short, one-year stint in the Navy, came back, and earned a diploma from the University of Denver in 1950. His career was going to involve running a lumberyard in Holstein.

Instead, he and his wife built a modest, 2,800 sq. ft. brick building across the street. He called the company Van-Top, Inc., hired two employees, and started making countertops. Ten hours a day, five days a week. It wasn’t long before they had to expand.

“This is one of the coolest stories in our history. Once we outgrew our original footprint, we added the ‘chicken coop’ building along with a multi-story building downtown. I think it shows the appetite my grandfather had for growth and his determination to make it work,” said VTI co-president Aaron Clausen. 

Bringing a Vision to Life

Soon, doors were added to the lineup. Roger wanted to create beautiful doors. Functional, sure, but something with personality, dimension, depth.

“Our inspiration comes from the talented architects and designers that we partner with across the world. Our role as the manufacturer is to bridge the gap between concept and reality and bring their creations to life while ensuring that the doors will perform in high use commercial applications and meet durability and life-safety standards,” said Aaron. “Our team of engineers, craftsmen and women on the shop floor do an excellent job bringing the architect’s vision to life. Whether it is delivering a perfect match of a unique stain color or sourcing an exotic veneer to get the desired look.”  

That approach caught the eye of a few businesses. Then, a lot of businesses. By 1962, Roger was making customer calls in his Piper Comanche 250.

“Flying has been an important part of our history. Roger flew our first four airplanes and used them extensively to visit customers throughout the year. He would even land and taxi the plane up to his house just north of the current Holstein golf course if he was heading back out the next morning. Flying allowed him to spend more time with family, in front of customers, or at the plant, rather than being behind the windshield,” said Aaron. 

Holding Ourselves to a High Standard

In the mid-1960s, VTI moved its operations to a 45,000 sq. foot plant, just a tick north of Holstein.

From there, the company’s history reads like a continuous string of successes through the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond.

It grew, expanded, diversified its product line. In total, opening nine manufacturing facilities and 14 total facilities in Wisconsin, Maryland, California, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, Quebec.

By 1992 it was named Innovator of the Year by the Woodworking Machinery Importer Association.

In 2005 Roger Clausen was inducted into The Kitchen and Bath Industry Hall of Fame. VTI also remained family owned and operated. Today, Roger’s grandsons Ryan and Aaron serve as co-presidents, deepening the company’s reputation for not only excellent products, but superior customer service.

Then there was the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the $1.8 billion, 1.1 million sq. foot arena home to the Los Angeles Clippers which will also be utilized during the 2028 Summer Olympics.

VTI was challenged with creating something fitting of what stadium owner Steve Balmer dubbed “A temple for basketball and performing arts for the 21st century.”

That “something” turned out to be over 300 doors, flush, pocket and bi-fold, a gorgeous assortment of walnut, eucalyptus, and white oak veneers, all with custom finishes.

“When I think about every project VT has been trusted to be part of, whether it’s a high-profile job or a small local project, the level of detail that goes into delivering a quality product on time remains constant. We take pride in holding ourselves to high standards,” said Aaron. 

This is Our Home: Making a $16 Million Investment in Holstein

In 2025, five years after founder Roger Clausen passed away, VTI celebrated the grand opening of its newly expanded manufacturing facility, a $16 million investment in not only operations, but in the Holstein community.

The 175,000 sq. ft. of additional space is the largest expansion to date as the company looks forward to toasting its 70th anniversary.

“The reason we chose to maintain our corporate headquarters in Holstein is the team we’ve been able to build here; they perform at a world-class level for our customers. This is our home, and we see it as a competitive advantage, not a disadvantage,” said Aaron.

Western Iowa Advantage was thrilled to attend the ceremony.

“VT Industries has been dedicated to the community of Holstein and the surrounding region for decades. Their investments have helped to attract families, provided additional business opportunities here, inspired our youth, and created a place where we are proud to call home. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to move the needle forward,” said Ida County Economic Development president Rita Frahm.