The groundbreaking ceremony for Ditch Witch’s new 15,800-square-meter paint facility in Perry, Oklahoma, marked a significant milestone in the company’s storied history. The event, held at the company’s factory site, was part of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Express Tour and drew nearly 1,000 attendees, including Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. This substantial addition to Ditch Witch’s operational capabilities demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting future growth in the underground construction industry. The new facility is expected to not only generate 100 jobs in the local economy but also enhance the company’s operational efficiency by allowing for the streamlined painting of its products. With an anticipated operational date by early 2027, the new paint facility comes in conjunction with Ditch Witch’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, underlining a legacy of innovation and community investment.
Kevin Smith, Vice President of Ditch Witch, highlighted the significant impact that the company has on daily life, emphasizing its role in facilitating communication and power delivery through its range of products. He noted that the new facility would enable Ditch Witch to increase its manufacturing capacity, ensuring the continued production of its world-class underground construction equipment. With roots tracing back to 1902, Ditch Witch released its first production trencher in 1949 and has since grown to be Perry’s largest employer. Today, the company employs over 1,700 people in the community and has established itself as a global leader in the underground construction equipment sector. Smith’s remarks resonated with the crowd, illustrating the company’s continued dedication to both innovation and its workforce.
Expansion Reflects Trends in Operational Capacity and Efficiency
The establishment of the new paint facility mirrors broader industry trends that emphasize the need for increased operational capacity and efficiency to meet global demands. This strategic expansion is not just a win for Ditch Witch but also a reflection of the larger movements within the manufacturing and construction sectors. Companies are increasingly focusing on enhancing their operational workflows to deliver products more efficiently and sustainably. The addition of the paint facility is expected to reduce production bottlenecks and streamline processes, allowing Ditch Witch to maintain its competitive edge in an evolving marketplace. This move aligns with the industry’s shift towards adopting state-of-the-art technologies and processes to stay ahead in a competitive environment.
The importance of such expansions cannot be understated, especially given the critical role that Ditch Witch’s products play in underground construction. From enabling communication networks to ensuring seamless power delivery through advanced trenching technologies, the company’s offerings are indispensable in modern infrastructure development. By expanding its operational capabilities, Ditch Witch is positioning itself to better serve both existing and new markets, thereby fostering growth and resilience. This paints a promising picture for the future, where the company can continue to lead in innovation while bolstering its manufacturing prowess. The new facility will undoubtedly contribute to meeting the high standards and expectations of its global clientele.
Industry Context and Community Investment
The groundbreaking ceremony for Ditch Witch’s new 15,800-square-meter paint facility in Perry, Oklahoma, marked a significant moment in the company’s rich history. Held at the factory site as part of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Express Tour, the event attracted nearly 1,000 attendees, including Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. This major expansion underscores Ditch Witch’s dedication to supporting future growth in the underground construction sector. The new facility will create 100 local jobs and improve operational efficiency by streamlining product painting. Expected to be operational by early 2027, this facility coincides with Ditch Witch’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, highlighting a legacy of innovation and community investment.
Kevin Smith, Vice President of Ditch Witch, emphasized the impact of the company’s products on everyday life, particularly in communication and power delivery. The new facility will boost manufacturing capacity, ensuring the ongoing production of world-class underground construction equipment. Founded in 1902, Ditch Witch released its first trencher in 1949 and has since become Perry’s largest employer, now employing over 1,700 locally. Smith’s remarks underscored the company’s commitment to innovation and its workforce.
