LE MARS, IA — SmithCo Mfg., Inc., a side dump trailer design and manufacturing company, has named Scott Heemstra as the Director of Manufacturing following the retirement of former Director of Manufacturing David Jacobs. Heemstra brings over 30 years of experience in operations and manufacturing to the team. In his position, he will lead production activities and oversee trailer manufacturing to ensure the continuation of SmithCo’s focus on building custom side dump trailer solutions.
“Scott is a long-time Northwest Iowa resident who is ‘coming home,’” said Scott Lovell, President and CEO of SmithCo. “He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and abilities that will help push toward our future goals. Scott’s proven track record of employee and team development is something that really caught the attention of our search committee. Scott will be a tremendous asset as SmithCo continues to grow and lead the side dump trailer industry. We welcome him with open arms to the SmithCo family.”
Previously, Heemstra held roles as Vice President of Operations for paint manufacturer Diamond Vogel and industrial fasteners and lifting hardware manufacturer Huyett. His experience will guide SmithCo’s continued improvements in quality and efficiency throughout the production plant.
"I am thrilled to join SmithCo and contribute to the continued growth and success," Heemstra said. "I am eager to leverage my experience in quality and operations excellence to fulfill SmithCo’s plans for team development, double-digit growth, and major capital investments. I look forward to working with the teams to create sustainable and long-lasting solutions and provide premium value to our customers."
Jacobs recently announced his retirement. He started working at SmithCo in 2021 and has helped lead many initiatives within the company to further improve the manufacturing process and develop the skillset of frontline supervisors.
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“It has been great to be a part of the SmithCo team and contribute to what makes us the side dump market leader,” Jacobs said. “I look forward to watching the company’s continued growth and look forward to hearing about our future accomplishments.”
“For the past three and a half years, David Jacobs has been a tremendous asset to SmithCo," Lovell said. "David is someone who has definitely had a huge impact on this company. He has invested a large amount of time and effort into helping us mold this company into who we want to be, both as a manufacturer and, more importantly, as an employer. He is extremely well respected throughout the company, and we are going to miss him. ... We thank him for everything he has given to all of us at SmithCo.”
