Douglas Machine Inc. is a recognized leader in paperboard, corrugated and shrink-film packaging
solutions. Core competencies are cartoners, case packers, tray packers, and shrink-wrappers. Many patented
and patent-pending technologies are used in the manufacture of your equipment with many patents in various
stages of the patent application process.
We are an employee-owned, market-focused company supported by a continuing cross-functional customer
visit program and a significant commitment to research and development. These innovative business tactics
enable us to understand and meet your ever-increasing business needs. Today Douglas Machine has
over 7,000 machines installed in 30 countries.
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.
The first machine was sold to Curtis Candy Company for $6,476.00.
1967
The company now has six employees and is operating in a 4,960 square foot facility.
The product line is taking shape and the first brochures are created.
1969
Vern Anderson’s brother Paul joins the team and ground is broken for a new
12,760 square foot facility.
1970
The new facility is complete and Bud, Vern, and Paul are intent on making their dreams
of building exceptional automated packaging machinery come true.
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 has 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 exceptional quality.
1982
Acquired five years earlier, Thor Engineering located in Villard, Minnesota is merged into Douglas Machine. The existing Thor employees start working in Alexandria. Palmer Staple, a manufacturer
of fasteners for the electrical industry, is acquired.
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. Today, Douglas Machine is converting from Cadra to Solidworks.
1986
At the first of the year, Bud Thoen shifts his interests to Palmer Industries and Vern Anderson assumes the helm of Douglas Machine.
1986
The company becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of APV/PLC in London, England. The acquisition provides opportunity for international market expansion and the addition of complementary product lines.
1987
Douglas Machine becomes completely vertically integrated to enhance customer responsiveness
and quality control. Receives recognition by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and the Alexandria-Douglas County Developers as the Industry of the Year.
1993
Vern and Paul, the original owners of Douglas Machine, buy back the company from APV/PLC with plans on becoming an employee owned company. The company is now 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.
1993
Single roll shrink-wrap technology is acquired from a German company to meet the increasing demand for shrink-wrapping machinery.
1996
Acquired controlling interest in Davis Engineering, located in Deerwood, Minnesota.
1996
Company sells first sleever to a large food manufacturer.
1998
Acquired the AccuLift palletizing and depalletizing technology to meet the demand for single
source packaging machinery suppliers.
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 from
Jesse Ventura for its contributions to Minnesota’s success in global markets.
2003
Manufacturing expands to the warehouse located across 36th Avenue and south
of the main manufacturing facility in Alexandria.
