In the summer of 1998, a significant addition was made to the new property of Pioneer Equipment Inc. with the construction of a new barn. This structure included a dedicated employee section at the west end, specifically designed for employees arriving for work via horse and buggy, reflecting the company’s heritage and connection to its community.
Employee horse and buggy barn construction at Pioneer Equipment Inc.
As Pioneer Equipment Inc. moved into the new millennium, the business experienced continued prosperity. This period was marked by the introduction of numerous new products, some of which, though innovative for their time, eventually became obsolete as market demands evolved. The company’s adaptability during this era laid the groundwork for future strategic shifts.
By 2007, Pioneer Equipment Inc.’s growth once again pushed the limits of its existing facilities. The Wengerd family, at the helm of Pioneer Equipment Inc., initiated discussions about expansion, considering options such as building additions or constructing entirely new buildings. This pivotal moment prompted crucial questions about the company’s future direction: Should they further invest in infrastructure at the current location? Was continued growth the desired path? Or should they consider divesting certain product lines to other companies? Underlying these business considerations was a deeper reflection on their responsibilities as stewards of resources.
A turning point arrived during their year-end review with their accountant when the Wengerd family was introduced to Lean Manufacturing. This methodology, focused on waste reduction throughout the manufacturing process from order placement to cash collection, resonated deeply with their values. Following consultations with their supervisors, Pioneer Equipment Inc. embraced Lean Manufacturing in the fall of 2008.
The implementation of Lean Manufacturing had a transformative effect on Pioneer Equipment Inc. Work-in-process inventory was reduced by over 50%, and finished product inventory saw a decrease of nearly 25%. This operational efficiency created unexpected space within their existing facilities and enabled Pioneer Equipment Inc. to offer significantly shorter lead times to customers. This major operational shift became a catalyst for substantial growth within the same building footprint.
The employees of Pioneer Equipment Inc. actively engaged with the principles of Lean Manufacturing, pushing boundaries to optimize processes. When existing solutions fell short, the team began developing their own, leading to the creation of metal pegboard and mobile workstations. This in-house innovation marked the genesis of Flextur, a product line that has since become a cornerstone of Pioneer Equipment Inc.’s offerings and a testament to their problem-solving capabilities.
Throughout this period of growth and innovation, the primary manufacturing operations of Pioneer Equipment Inc. remained concentrated in the 145’ x 200’ manufacturing building. Certain specialized components, such as cushions, wood tongues, aluminum seats, and plow handles, continued to be sourced from other local family businesses, reinforcing community partnerships.
Mid-summer 2013 saw John Wengerd, one of Wayne’s sons and a shareholder in Pioneer Equipment Inc., acquire a strategically located piece of real estate along Sugar Creek in Sonnenburg Valley. Following his marriage to Ina Weaver, Pioneer Equipment Inc.’s longtime secretary, John established his residence there later that summer. In the spring of 2014, an empty veal barn on the property was repurposed into a manufacturing facility. This expansion raised the question of which part of Pioneer Equipment Inc.’s production would be best suited for this new location.
Driven by a continuous pursuit of manufacturing excellence, Pioneer Equipment Inc. explored laser burning technology. This advanced capability offered the potential to refine equipment designs through precisely shaped plates, enhancing strength exactly where needed. After careful consideration, Pioneer Equipment Inc. decided to invest in a used Mazak Laser plate burning machine. This substantial piece of equipment, weighing over 18,000 lbs., was delivered in mid-July 2015. By late August, refurbishment, installation, and setup were completed. Production at PLANT 2, approximately five miles from the main Pioneer Equipment Inc. facility, officially commenced in early September, marking another significant step in the company’s evolution and commitment to innovation.
