Dake expansion fueled by OEM furniture line
People, leverage and growth are three words that encapsulate JSJ’s strategy to create entrepreneurial opportunities among its business and provide the freedom to realize them.
“It’s one thing to have a ‘strategic theme’ but it’s really exciting to see it driving growth and diversification,” says Jason Riemersma, general manager of Dake Corporation, a JSJ business based in Grand Haven, MI. “We’re using this theme to successfully extend the Dake brand over multiple platforms.”
Grand Haven Furniture Products began in 1987 as an OEM furniture manufacturer. Then in 2001 it evolved into an innovative contract furniture manufacturing company located in Spring Lake, MI, called izzy design (now izzy+). In January 2011 the original OEM furniture products manufacturing company split from izzy+ to join Dake. The new product line, Dake OEM Furniture, is manufactured in the Spring Lake facility.
Working closely with Erick Johnson and other JSJ leaders, the Dake and izzy+ leadership teams began collaborating early in 2010 to prepare for the transition. Retaining technical expertise and preserving jobs in West Michigan were driving factors for keeping Dake OEM Furniture production in Spring Lake. “Communication early and often was key to a successful transition,” said Riemersma. “Throughout the process we communicated with customers and employees to explain the changes, benefits and growth potential. Excitement is growing. I think people really appreciate the high level of support we are providing and we are earning new business because of it.”
Dake’s plant in nearby Grand Haven, which has been continuously manufacturing since 1887, also gives Dake OEM Furniture access to a complete metal fabrication facility including a CNC machine shop, welding facility, global casting sourcing, and increased technical manufacturing and assembly support.
By successfully leveraging these and other resources, Dake is adding OEM furniture to the high quality machine tool and casting products it is already known for. The future is looking very bright.
About Dake
Since 1887, the Dake brand name has been associated with high quality, industrial grade machines. Dake offers a complete line of arbor presses, hydraulic presses, bench presses, cold saws, and band saws. Dake also manufactures and distributes ferrous and non-ferrous castings. Its newest product line, OEM furniture, was added in 2011.