In 1995, Loren and Jean Van Wyk founded LDJ Manufacturing and ultimately launched Thunder Creek Equipment, an award-winning brand of diesel fuel and service trailers. Today, LDJ is building more than strong innovative products - they're building an even stronger community.
Located off Highway 163 northwest of Pella, LDJ employs nearly 130 people. The teams of designers, engineers, and highly skilled manufacturers continue to push the envelope to deliver new technology to the industry's leading fuel and service trailers. For nearly three decades, LDJ has remained a family-owned and family-oriented organization, striving to stay true to their core values of service and respect, innovation, passion for making a difference, and a merit over entitlement mindset.
Building a Culture on Faith, Family, and Values
A positive company culture is a lofty goal no matter the location, size, or mission of the workplace. Together, the team at LDJ has worked for nearly 30 years towards creating a company culture of integrity, caring, and excellence.
"Building good culture is a journey," remarked Ben Cox, President of LDJ. "It requires us to be intentional every day in the way we work, communicate, and learn together. It's about caring for and supporting each other and staying true to our mission of being grounded in faith and focused on people."
LDJ runs a one-shift operation and prides themselves on a no-weekends schedule, allowing their employees more time with family and friends.
"As a company, maintaining work-life balance can be a struggle, so running one shift and not working on the weekends is important to us," said Cox, "but it does come with challenges as we work to meet the rising demand for Thunder Creek Equipment."
To keep pace with this opportunity, LDJ has grown their team by 50% since 2020. Cox says the majority of the new hires come to them from employee referrals.
"This tells me that we're doing something right," said Cox. "We certainly advertise for our current openings, but the number one way we attract new talent in here is through these referrals. I believe this is a testament to our culture and the direction we're heading."
Cox also noted their growth has enabled them to expand departments and create opportunities for internal advancement.
It isn't lost on us that God is working for us in not only the caliber of folks we are bringing onboard but also in the opportunities that have been afforded to us," said Cox. "This type of growth can be challenging, but we have to pause in the moment and remember to be thankful for our blessings."
A Strong Culture Building a Stronger Future
In 2009, LDJ began producing their first mobile fuel trailer to serve the agriculture industry.
"Because of Loren's farm roots, he knew there was an opportunity here to make farmers' lives easier," remarked Cox. "If you know Loren, there's only one way to do things and that's the right way, so when you're building something, it's done with precision and pride and that is the cornerstone of what we do here at LDJ Manufacturing. He is an innovator through and through," said Cox. The family, including sons Luke and Chad, have been very involved. They have helped it grow from a side business to the thriving brand it is today - Thunder Creek Equipment. They've developed LDJ from a small shop of 10 employees to nearly 130, selling equipment in all 50 states."
By staying true to their foundation of a positive company culture and doing things the right way, LDJ has experienced exceptional business growth in the past few years.
In July, a $1.5 million USDA loan was approved for Pella Cooperative Electric Association and LDJ for a 25,000 square foot expansion to their manufacturing facility. The new space will accommodate increased production and warehousing as well as added workstations and a tornado shelter.
LDJ is continuing to grow and is looking for exceptional people to join their team! If you think LDJ is the right fit for you, please visit their website nosaturdays.com to learn more.