Dee Zee Manufacturing is one of Central Iowa’s largest employers with approximately 1,000 employees. Its expanding presence in Greater Des Moines sits in the crossroads of Interstates 80 and 35, navigating the automotive accessory part making and distribution landscape near the heart of American manufacturing.
From a bustling multichannel aftermarket supplier to a leading provider of side steps and roof rails for OEMs, their story is one of focus, adaptation and innovation. So, what are they doing today to retain a diverse Iowa workforce, overcome supply chain challenges and embrace emerging trends?
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This week’s podcast has it all – the genesis and continuing evolution of Dee Zee from their first aftermarket running board and OEM contract, all the way to a brand new building nearing completion that will house an innovative and space-saving facility. Doubling down on its roots as one of Iowa’s oldest and largest family owned businesses, Dee Zee is firmly planted as an employment destination for Iowa’s manufacturing workforce.
Behind the Innovation:
- Troy Wirtz: Listen to Troy’s insights on product development, brand strategy, and what Dee Zee is doing to attract talent.
- Quality Expansion: Discover how they’re balancing 8 metro area facilities, robotics and manufacturing automation capabilities, and a new powder coating facility building.
Creative Minds:
- Innovative Times: Learn about one of the manufacturers’ latest OEM programs – featuring the development of aluminum extrusions for an electric delivery vehicle maker.
- Best & Highest Use: Find out how they are making use of innovative video testimonials to highlight employees telling their stories – why they choose to work at and stick with Dee Zee.
Workforce Development:
- Workforce Development: Uncover Dee Zee’s approach to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, harnessing the power of data intelligence and social in a post-virus economy.
- Collaboration Key: Explore their take on creating a central communication hub, and facilitating R&D collaboration tools that could already be inspiring demand for manufacturing the next auto accessory.
Lean in further with host Leisa Fox as the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast takes you inside the Dee Zee company – where family values meet high-tech innovation and high volume production capabilities!
Troy Wirtz: Listen to Troy’s insights on product development, brand strategy and what Dee Zee is doing to attract talent.
For more information, contact Troy Wirtz at twirtz@deezee.com, and visit their website at www.deezee.com.