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CANADIAN INDUSTRY ONLINE - DECEMBER 2011
hardened steel bushings. Finally, the frame
has a hydraulic locking mechanism to ensure
a stable connection when digging.
“We went through five years of
engineering to build the truck spade that is
second to none,” says Tillaart. “There is no
place to go but up now. Our goal has never
been to manufacture an inexpensive product,
but rather build one that is the best. When
you look at the market it has to be a product
that you don’t need to take too much care of.
We have focused on equipment design and
the product, so now we are looking at how to
market it.”
Dutchman Industries also manufactures
other machinery for use in tree transplant-
ing, such as tying machines, truck spades,
and the Tree Rex. Tillaart adds: “Over the
years we developed so many different
products and satisfied so many different
needs.”
In the new economy, Dutchman Industries
is focusing on expanding its online presence,
and teaming up with larger companies to
channel
its
product
through
larger
distributors. And it remains committed to
listening to the industry. Tillaart says:
“Because we have the nursery business, we
listen to our operators and our customers.
We have more time to think about how to
improve the structure and the operating
system.”
Tillaart acknowledges that the nursery
side and the manufacturing side are two very
different types of businesses, but that they
run on the same principles. “It is not just
about having a good product,” he adds. “It is
about how you get it out to your customers.
You have to make it affordable for people.”
And what’s on the horizon for Dutchman
Industries? The company is aiming at
pushing its truck spades out into foreign
markets. It is also looking at building other
types of tree products, such as tree sheers.
“Our goal is to create a broader range of
products,” says Tillaart. “We have the ability
to engineer whatever.”
DUTCHMAN INDUSTRIES - INDUSTRY FEATURE
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