Big news in the snow and ice control equipment world – Douglas Dynamics is adding 42,000 square feet of manufacturing space to their operations. Douglas announced that they are converting the 8.9 acre former Russ Darrow Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram car dealership building at 7676 N. 76th Street in Milwaukee into additional manufacturing space.
The expansion was recommended for approval last week and the Plan Commission endorsed it. The building has been empty since this last summer after Russ Darrow moved this dealership location to the Metro Auto Mall on I-41 and West Good Hope Road. Jim Smith, Douglas Dynamics engineering manager, told commission members that about 42,000 square feet of the building will be used for manufacturing and the remaining 10,000 square feet will be offices and product displays.
Douglas Dynamics has its headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has been North America’s premier manufacturer and upfitter of work truck attachments and equipment since 1948. It manufactures some of the most trusted brands in the snow and ice management industry including Fisher, Henderson, SnowEx and Western. Douglas Dynamics has been innovating products that not only enable snow contractors to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively, but also enables snow and ice businesses to increase profitability.
Douglas Dynamics employs more than 1,600 people throughout the United States. Their headquarters in Milwaukee currently holds their main offices, a factory and distribution center employing nearly 300 people. The expansion would add another 20-50 jobs. Douglas Dynamics has enjoyed incredible growth in recent years through sales and acquisitions. In 2018 they were at $524 million – approximately four times where they were in 2012. About two-thirds of the increase is due to acquisitions.
