Gary Fruth, Dalsin Industries CEO: ‘We Help Our Customers do Better Business by Saving Time, Optimizing Product Performance, and Increasing Quality and Efficiency, while being a Precision Metal Manufacturer for OEMs’

“Dalsin is a clear leader, as evidenced by over 20 percent annual growth over the past two years in an industry where 1.5 percent annual growth would be considered outstanding.”

Dalsin Industries is an award-winning precision metal product contract manufacturer that enables OEM’s around the world to create and deliver amazing products their customers love. The company’s progressive competencies, incredibly deep fabrication experience, and unyielding passion for quality translate into numerous advantages that improve its partners’ bottom lines and speed to market. Dalsin leads the market in high-value contract manufacturing of precision sheet metal products--delivering operation excellence through its unique integration of people, processes, and production technology.

Dalsin is extremely well-positioned as a market-leading full-service contract manufacturer with amazing customers across the globe. From industries as diverse as energy, transportation, appliances, construction, and everything in-between, Dalsin’s goal is to consistently deliver the highest value and quality to each and every customer.

And in 2012, Dalsin created its own line of high end barbecue grills that have taken the grilling world by storm. These tech-heavy outdoor wood pellet cooking appliances are designed by the company’s own technical staff. So, when it comes to finding a contract manufacturer with actual design and end product experience, you won’t have to look further than Dalsin Industries to help bring your product to market. Dalsin Industries is positioned as a full-service contract manufacturer with major OEM customers across the United States.

The company was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Gary Fruth: Interview Highlights

Q. Why was the company set up? And how did you expand your company and its offerings over the years?

Our company was initially founded as a supplier of architectural products to the roofing industry. In the late 70s and 80s, we shifted gears to the manufacturing of precision metal parts. Another shift occurred toward diversification and business relationships with large OEMs. Finally, a more recent business initiative was expansion into global fabrication services accessing third-party material and production resources in multiple countries.

Q. Any company, big or small, must have a sense of authenticity and originality to succeed, is your company a leader or a follower?

Dalsin is a clear leader, as evidenced by over 20 percent annual growth over the past two years in an industry where 1.5 percent annual growth would be considered outstanding. This is supported by a unique value proposition that includes design expertise, rich production capabilities, high quality, and on-time delivery. Dalsin’s net promoter score (NPS) exceeds manufacturing industry averages by at least 10 points;its satisfaction scores have consistently been over ‘90’.

Q. “Earning trust and respect of consumers is through consistent focus on delivering high quality in all of our actions.” How do you interpret this statement?

It’s not what you say you do, it’s all about how you do it. For manufacturers, it’s meeting or exceeding quality and delivery requirements and adding value by helping customers find better ways of accomplishing their goals.

Q. How do you stay relevant to the consumer interests and needs in this highly volatile market?

Dalsin continuously evaluates new production technologies to find the best “fit for purpose”. Robotics and automation are also integrated into our production operations.

Q. How do you keep your company up and running? What are the factors that help your company to compete on a global platform?

Our Global Fabrication Supply Chain program utilizes suppliers from China, Vietnam, Korea, Spain, Portugal, and Mexico to deliver unique materials and production capabilities. Dalsin manages third parties on behalf of its OEM customers.

Q. Customer service varies, but companies can still be successful. How do you maintain your customers’ trust and loyalty?

Frequent check-ins and onsite visits (both onsite at Dalsin and onsite at customer facilities) are a part of our company’s policies. Dalsin operates with integrity and honesty in all its business dealings.

Q. How does your company contribute to the competitive global IT platform?

Our company is often an early user of new production technologies and feeds performance data back to the equipment manufacturers.

Q. Do you have any new products ready to be launched?

Dalsin has a captive product line called Memphis Wood Fire Grills, and there are new products available in this line in 2020, including built-in grills and the new Beale Street grill.

Q. Where do you see your company a couple of years from now?

We continue to build a diversified customer base, grow revenues, and improve margins on a year over year basis.

“Dalsin leads the market in high-value contract manufacturing of precision sheet metal products--delivering operational excellence through its unique integration of people, processes, and production technology.”