Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/577447
42 | I NSIGH T • O c t o b e r 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m A n o-heard phrase along the lakeshore is that, "It's always cooler by the lake." Oostburg-based Dutchland Plastics is adding to the chill. With more than 500 rotational molders in the world, Dutchland has earned a place in the top five in North America for its products, particularly a deep-freeze cooler and kayaks. So where does all of that success come from? Daven Claerbout, the director of business development for Dutchland, says it starts with the people. "By the end of the day, it's about our employees. ey are the key to our success," Claerbout says. "We are known by our products, and we are powered by our people. at has been our motto from day one." Currently, the company employs 240 people who live mostly within a 20-mile radius. As dedicated as Dutchland is to its products, the company strives to find employees who are dedicated to the work they do. Based on employee tenure, that business mold has shown to be a great success. Dave Ott, operations manager with Wausau Tile, has worked closely with Dutchland over the years and says its status in the rotational molding industry has not hindered the time spent to help others. "ey are a great partner in this business with great people to work Rotational molding company forecasts hot sales for a 'cooler' product Spinning a profit in focus { s m a l l b u s i n e s s } B y A n d r e w S c h a i c k with," Ott says. "If we run into a problem that we cannot find a solution for, we always go to them." Claerbout says one employee celebrated his 43rd anniversary with the company, and notes several others are in their 30th and 40th year of employment with Dutchland. Every Friday, workers are encouraged to wear the color red, to show respect for U.S. troops serving in the military. Jack VanEss, who has been the shipping and receiving manager at Dutchland Plastics for 30 years, says he wears red every week. "It brings you back to your roots, and oentimes, you get lost in your own job and forget about those whose job it is to serve our country," VanEss says. While touring the plant, the smiles on the faces of the employees are noticeable. Claerbout says the most important thing is to make sure the employee is happy because that, in turn, affects the products they produce. It's not surprising that a focal point in Claerbout's office is a sign that reads, "Life is better, when you're laughing." YETI coolers By the end of this year, the company is expected to have just under $40 million in total sales. One of the biggest contributing factors to this number is their client, YETI. Whether it's hunting, boating, fishing or simply tailgating, YETI provides a cooler that is as rugged as the outdoors. e coolers can keep items frozen up to 48 hours. Claerbout says the durability of these coolers is due to the fact that they are made via rotational molding. is process has even earned the cooler a title of being "grizzly-proof." ere are no seams in the body of the cooler where plastic would be fused together, which reduces the risk of air getting in or escaping the cooler. e entire process starts with a Workers pour plastic into a mold before it goes into an oven. A N D R E W S C H A I C K