Douglas Machine & Engineering expands operations with $888K in economic impact

Douglas Machine & Engineering is expanding its capabilities with a new CNC production shop in Port Byron, Illinois. With an investment in new machinery and equipment, the project has a total economic impact of $888K. "We are excited to open this facility," said Douglas Machine CEO, Loras Schaul. "I am excited to have Shaun Hessler as the production manager running the facility. He has the same drive and commitment to customer satisfaction and expansion as I do. Being the first in the area to have this type of advanced technology capability is also very exciting," he said.

The new shop is next to Douglas' paint and powder shop, and according to Schaul, the Port Byron location was not only an affordable option, but a great fit because it allows the two facilities to share employees. This advanced setup will allow the company to pivot into high-volume production machining, a perfect complement to their Davenport facility, which specializes in low-volume, custom parts. The new machinery will expand Douglas' ability to support Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the area, improving efficiencies and offering faster turnaround times. "We feel there is a demand for good production shops and we are introducing laser 3D printing at this facility as well," said Schaul. "This unique technology uses wire, not powder, to create a very dense part."

Douglas Machine’s expansion represents a new era of growth for the company and a promising future for rural manufacturing. Through thoughtful investment in both technology and talent, they are paving the way for continued success and helping to foster a thriving economic landscape in the region. "The Chamber has helped me connect with a number of other business owners in the area to create partnerships in and around the Quad Cities," said Schaul. 

"The expansion of Douglas Machine & Engineering in Port Byron is exciting," said Chris Caves, the Chamber's Vice President of Business Retention & Expansion, Workforce. "As a Port Byron resident, I’m proud to support local companies investing in their business and investing in the community. I’ve introduced Douglas Machine to other manufacturing leaders in the Port Byron and Cordova community and they are already doing business with one another."