Message from Adam
THE CHALLENGE OF A STEADY WORKFLOW
Since we started PDM in 2012, it has always been a goal to keep our workforce consistently busy. We try our best not to have huge peaks in production volumes, followed by deep valleys where we have very little work to do.
For the most part, we have been successful in achieving steady, slowly growing volumes, but this year has been a particular challenge. At the Precast Plant, we have unfortunately had several jobs delay, causing us to have to scramble to speed up on other production, or worse yet, send employees home with less than a full week’s paycheck.
At Carlisle, the story has been somewhat similar. Following 2022 where we were consistently busy, 2023 has had us busy one week and not the next, as the large projects that made us successful in 2022 have not been as consistently available in 2023.
First, I want you to know that I am keenly aware of the difficulties and stress that inconsistent production levels can cause in our facilities, and with each employee. Second, I want you to know that the sales, project management and engineering staff work hard to make production paper flow to the plants as smoothly as possible. In addition, our plant office personnel at Carlisle work and rework the schedules based on information available to keep the plant as busy as possible.
Now the good news. We recently were awarded the largest job in PDM history. In addition, our precast backlog is strong and although not at our peak level, I am very hopeful we will see a consistent production level from now through the winter season.
Overall, 2023 is still likely to wrap-up as another very good year for PDM, it just hasn’t come as smoothly as it did in 2022. I want to thank all of you for your efforts in continuing to make PDM a success.
Adam
MESSAGE FROM LUKE
PDM’S PRODUCTION FACILITIES CONTINUE TO GROW
With major additions in both our Precast and Steel facilities in the last year, PDM’s capabilities to fulfill customers’ needs continue to grow.
At precast, the addition of a second indoor production facility along with improved support and employee spaces allows much more controlled and predictable production throughout the four seasons we experience in Iowa. The photo below, taken by a drone in June, gives a good overview of our facility and gives an appreciation of how much things have changed for the better in the last ten years.
At Carlisle, a just completed addition will be the new home for Glass and Glazing, Field Crews, and Maintenance for Metals, Glass and Field. The building includes a wash bay to wash trailers and equipment. Additions for parking and controlled locations for trailer parking should go a long way to eliminate jockeying for parking spots!
Our continued investment in our facilities sets PDM up for a bright future with more growth, while we continue to focus on maintaining and hopefully increasing work life happiness.
Luke
Department Spotlight
PDM relies on a lot of big, heavy-duty equipment to manufacture our products. That equipment relies on our maintenance department and our operators to keep things in good operating shape. It’s a team effort to keep everything up and running, and we appreciate the tough work that our maintenance group does.
Support Your Community
Over the last quarter PDM and the SYC committee has been super busy! The engineering department hosted a team building event for Variety. Our team built 50 bikes in under two hours! We also participated in Variety’s Sporting Clay Classic where our team placed 2nd! In May, PDM paired with Opus to pack Meals From the Heartland. It looks like we will be busy this fall as well, as we have the DMPS One Run coming up and Cycle Nation event for The American Heart Association. Lastly, we have our Shoes That Fit drive coming up in the next few weeks. A big thanks to everyone for their past and future generosity and participation!
COMPANY EVENTS
An office tailgate party on the roof of the PDM parking deck on the Thursday before the annual Cy-Hawk game.
A summer party was held at Gray’s Lake Park and a good time was had by all on a beautiful summer evening.
NEW EMPLOYEE OWNERS
These employees began earning shares under our ESOP plan on July 1, 2023. Congratulations To All!
- Brian Marks
- Lexi Masear
- Christopher Jones
- Nick Door
- Ashley Sims
- Wesley Harris
- Enrique Hernandez-Mata
- Arthur Davis
- Mark Anthony
- Noah Brennecke
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS
Daniel Underwood
Position: Engineering Technician Supervisor/ Production SchedulerYear started at PDM: 2021
Q. What do you want to tell us about yourself?
A. I’m from the Des Moines area, lived here my whole life. I attended Iowa State University so Go Clones! And I have now been with PDM for 2 years.
Q. What is something about you that surprises people?
A. Most people are surprised when the find out I’m an Eagles and Sixers fan.
Q. What do you do for fun outside of work?
A. I like to spend time with family and friends as well as golf and disc golf I also like to occasionally go camping when I have the chance.
Q. Favorite Food?
A. Would definitely have to be either brisket, mac-n-cheese, or steak.
Q. What would you like to do in the future?
A. I’d like to travel the west coast as well as hopefully one day travel the rest of Europe.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS
Joe Goode
Position: Purchasing AssistantYear started at PDM: 2021
Q. What do you want to tell us about yourself?
A. What you see is what you get.
Q. What is something about you that surprises people?
A. Probably that my wife has put up with me for 42 years.
Q. What do you do for fun outside of work?
A. Anything with my grandchildren. Riding my motorcycle, bow hunting, watching college football and basketball.
Q. Favorite Food?
A. Italian.
Q. What are you most proud of?
A. My daughter, she is the best person I know, I had something to do with that.
Q. What would you like to do in the future?
A. When I retire, I want to take off in a motorhome, go west and not comeback until I have seen it all.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS
Doug McLey
Position: Quality Control - PrecastYear started at PDM: 2021
Q. What do you want to tell us about yourself?
A. I’m not afraid to learn new skills and trades. I welcome and enjoy any new challenge thrown my way.
Q. What is something about you that surprises people?
A. I love to cook. My favorite method is using my smoker. I also love making appetizers and side dishes.
Q. What do you do for fun outside of work?
A. I enjoy camping with my family, riding my four wheeler, going off roading, and playing pool.
Q. Favorite Food?
A. Mexican and Pizza.
Q. What are you most proud of?
A. I am most proud that I was able to turn my life around. I just celebrated 3 years clean and sober and I am grateful every day. I am also proud of my commitment to helping others succeed in their own personal journey.
Q. What would you like to do in the future?
A. I would like to purchase my own home in the near future and continue growing my career at PDM.