Canadian based manufacturer DBG announced plans to establish a US headquarters in Conway, Arkansas. The 41-year-old company supplies the heavy truck, automotive, agriculture and commercial industries as a tier one and tier two provider of custom metal products. The company will begin operations immediately.
“The acquisition of Navistar’s former IC Bus operations allows us to be part of a growing community, provides us with a strong experienced workforce, increases our technical capabilities and diversifies our product offering.” says President and CEO Mike De Biasi. “DBG has been looking for a location to establish our USA Operations for many years and today, we are excited that our research has led us to Conway, Arkansas.”
The Conway location currently employs over 200 Associates and Peter Chapman, a former IC Bus employee, local resident and now, general manager of DBG Conway says “Our plans are to not only proudly serve the needs of Navistar but to diversify and secure long-term employment for all of the Associates at the Conway facility. The Company has aggressive plans to double its business over the next 5 years. This will require substantial investment in facilities and equipment while in turn creating significant employment opportunities that are less reliant on the seasonality of the bus market.”
“Advanced manufacturing jobs play an integral part in our state’s economy,” said AEDC Executive Director Mike Preston. “I applaud DBG’s decision to invest in Conway and keep 200 valuable employees working here as the company explores additional growth opportunities.”
“Conway’s almost 100-year history with the bus and heavy truck market is as old as modern manufacturing itself,” said Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry. “The fact that a growing company like DBG recognizes and invests in our manufacturing future is an honor. The entire city is excited to welcome DBG as our newest US Headquarters and corporate citizen.”
Conway Area Chamber CEO Brad Lacy said that the year-long process gave helpful insight into DBG’s award winning culture. “DBG has been recognized as one of Canada’s best managed private companies and one of the best to work for. Our team has seen firsthand how thoughtful and growth-oriented they are. They are the perfect fit to carry on Conway’s legacy of advanced manufacturing.”
About DBG
DBG is a Concept to Finish Product Custom Metal Manufacturer offering Tool & Die, Stamping, Welding, Fabrication, Modular Assembly and Line Sequencing to the Automotive, Heavy Truck, Agriculture and Commercial Industries. The Company started as a tool and die manufacturer in early 1976. The Company currently employs over 650 Associates in five different facilities in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (3) and in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (2).