DORR Industries, Inc. Celebrates 50 Years with Dedication of “INTEGRATED”

The sculpture “INTEGRATED” was rededicated at Dorr Industries, Inc. on June 20, 2007. A remarkably simple, yet powerful, stainless steel sculpture faces 142th Avenue in Dorr, Michigan. The work of Jim Jerkatis, originally commissioned in 1998 by Saleem Durvesh, makes a strong statement about the manufacturing capabilities of Dorr Industries, Inc. integrating metal stamping, screw machining, welding, bending and assembly of products to their industrial customer base.

Jerkatis used a series of ten vertical rods and attached 18-inch circles to create the work. The rods form a nine-foot column at the center and step up as they grow in length. The sculpture implies an upward movement and represents a recurring sense of purpose. The central column symbolizes the growth and strength of Dorr Industries. The attached circles represent the business and industries that are supported by the Company. Together the vertical lines and circles spiral upward to achieve the feeling of the positive movement of the Company as it satisfies the needs of its varied clients.

Jerkatis explains that the basic design elements of this sculpture, a line and a circle, are ancient but yet, when combined in this sculpture are as contemporary as the manufacturing capabilities of Dorr Industries, Inc. James Jerkatis retired in July 1997 after 25 years as an art director, studio supervisor and instructor at WGVU – WGVK at Grand Valley State University to pursue a career in fine arts.

In 1957 Dorr Industries, Inc. began as Modern Tool and Manufacturing Company in Kalamazoo, MI with a single customer – Checker Motor Car Company. By 1959 the company outgrew its facility in Kalamazoo and moved to a 3,000 square foot building at 1840 142nd Avenue, Dorr Michigan. The building was built in 1944 to serve as a John Deere dealership. As the business prospered it added a 2,000 square addition in 1968 and added additional stamping presses. In 1977 the original owner died and the surviving family sold to Dave and Aline Stebleton on December 31, 1977.

On July 1, 1979 the company incorporated as Dorr Industries, Inc. and continued increasing its sales to where in 1985 another 2,000 square feet of manufacturing space was added. Almost immediately, screw machines were added to the production capability of the business. This created a niche’ that still exists today, where screw machines and punch presses are run in consecutive operations. No other contract manufacturing businesses are known to have this combination of equipment. Customers that know of, and can use this combination of equipment appreciate the fair prices offered for the products made.

In 1986, the two lots west of the Dorr Industries property, and the one lot south of that property were purchased creating the possibility for an expansion that would more than double the size of the company. By working with the township, county, and state, the company was able to put together a package of tax abatements over the next twelve years that made it possible to start a new building in the fall of 1988.

Annual sales continued to increase so in the fall of 1993, the original 1944 John Deere building was replaced with a new free-span building. The 1968 addition was retained, and a single, new roof was built over it and the new building. That eliminated all the poles that held up the original building, opened up walls that were obstructions to manufacturing, and added another 1,000 square feet of working space. The addition created better manufacturing efficiencies and lowered heating and cooling costs. To maintain production during construction, the new building was built over the old one, and the old building was torn down from inside the new one.

In 1995, a lot adjacent to the south side of the company’s property became available, and it was purchased. The alley between the north and south properties was abandoned and became included in the company property in 2000. At the same time, the railroad property on the west side was purchased, and all seven parcels were combined into one property. There is now property available for future expansion when needed.

In 2003, the company completed the requirements and received certification for ISO/QS9000, a quality management system that is recognized by most major manufacturers, especially those in auto and truck manufacturing industries. Other industries that recognize the certification are furniture, appliance, electrical, and tooling. All these are within the capabilities of Dorr Industries, Inc. In 2006, the company was re-certified, having maintained their standards of quality management.

In 2003, Dave Stebleton retired as president of the company. The Board of Directors elected Mr. Earl Parmelee, President; Mr. Stebleton, Chairman of the Board; Aline Stebleton, Corporate Secretary; Dan Meeuwsen, Vice President; and Bruce Born, Director. Since that time, the company has taken a more aggressive role in marketing the company’s services, resulting in substantial increase in company growth.

Dorr Industries, Inc. is proud to have survived 50 years in business with two owners. The company is proud to be an active part of the community of Dorr, Michigan, by participating in the Dorr Business Association, and the former Dorr Township DDA. The company is also proud to have had its management staff participate in a number of area and county organizations such as: The Allegan/Ottawa County Private Industry Council, the Allegan County VOTEC Center, the Allegan County Economic Development Authority, and the Wayland Union High School Citizens Board.

Dorr Industries, Inc. management has a vision for a long future with new goals for sales and profits. Those goals include a new advertising and marketing campaign, a new company logo, new equipment, and a fresh look within the facility. The company management team works well with the employees, and together, they are achieving their goals.