Our History
Douglas Machine Inc. is a recognized leader in paperboard, corrugated and shrink-film packaging solutions.
In 1964, Bud Thoen founded Douglas Machine with a vision to invent and build exceptional automated packaging machinery. Two years later, Vern Anderson, the current CEO of Douglas Machine, joined the fledgling business. Later that year the company sold its first machine to Curtis Candy Company for $6,476. From the very beginning, a deep appreciation for the trust customers place on it drives the company to be a great supplier with values based upon respect.
Today Douglas Machine employs more than 600 people and has more than 7,000 machines installed in 30+ countries. Our growth and success are the result of our employees’ hard work and dedication to Bud’s vision of building innovative packaging machinery.
1964
With courage, motivation, and a $5.00 sale, Bud Thoen founded Douglas Machine.
1966
1966 was a landmark year as Bud’s cousin, Vern Anderson (current CEO of Douglas Machine), joined the business. The company was incorporated and became Douglas Machine Corporation.
1969
Vern Anderson’s brother Paul joins the team and ground is broken for a new 12,760 square foot facility.
1974
Added 12,500 square feet to accommodate increasing machine sales and a growing number of new employees.
1978
To meet the growing demand for packaging automation, the product line expanded to include case packers, tray packers, box formers, and inserters.
1980
A new metal finishing facility is built to meet the growing finishing demands of the company and ensure quality.
1984
The 1,000th machine is sold to the Coca-Cola Company in New York to package non-returnable plastic bottles. Transitioned from drafting table design to computer-aided design.
1986
The company becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of APV/PLC in London, England.
1993
Vern and Paul, the original owners of Douglas Machine, buy back the company from APV/PLC. The company becomes Douglas Machine, LLC.
1993
As part of the buy back agreement from APV/PLC and to meet increasing shrink-wrap equipment demands, twin roll shrink-wrap technology is acquired from APV Rockford.
1996
Acquired controlling interest in Davis Engineering, located in Deerwood, Minnesota.
1999
To complement its existing paperboard cartoner offerings, Douglas Machine acquired a controlling interest in Dimension Industries, Inc.
2000
The company becomes Douglas Machine Inc. and 100% employee owned, providing the employees with a vested interest in the company.
2001
Selected from over 8,000 suppliers, Douglas Machine receives the Miller Brewing Company’s Partnership in Excellence Award.
2002
Douglas Machine receives the 2002 Governor’s International Trade Award for its contributions to Minnesota’s success in global markets.
2003
Introduced new Axiom® case/tray packer platform featuring servo motion control and patented high-speed carton stacker.
2004
Introduced new Contour® series shrink wrappers with patented infeed, metering and tunnel technology.
2006
Introduced new Invex™ low-speed case/tray packer in compact three- and four-station configurations.
2010
New Vectra®, TriVex™, Axiom ® ARC, and VS Series™ product lines.