Oostburg-based Dutchland Plastics, a manufacturer of rotational and blow molded plastic products, set its highest monthly sales record in its history in March.
The sales increase was a result of new products, new customers and additional business with existing customers, said Carl Claerbout, co-owner and chief executive officer of the company.
“Our first quarter was an about 35 percent increase over the same period last year,” he said. “We aren’t projecting 35 percent (growth) for the year – we’re thinking things will level off to more like 25 percent.”
Dutchland Plastics has succeeded bringing in some new customers that place orders than many of its long-term customers have historically. In some cases, the company has helped some of those smaller customers find new suppliers.
“We’re simplifying things, and we’ve found homes for some customers with competitors, which has freed up space in our plant,” Claerbout said. “We seem to be picking up customers in almost every market.”
In 2008, Dutchland Plastics was down to about 180 employees. The company has 260 workers today.
Dutchland Plastics is able to produce large plastic components such as slides for children’s playsets, kayaks and traffic barrels. Traditionally, most of its large pieces have been made with rotational molding, but the company is now able to produce some large pieces, including kayaks, with blow molding.
“We can produce them much faster,” Claerbout said. “They’re a lower price kayak, but they look just as good (as rotational molded models).”
