LAS VEGAS—The Davlyn Group is expanding one of its businesses, while bringing two of its units together as a way to serve customers better.
The company has added onto the headquarters building of its Davlyn Manufacturing Co., a producer of thermal protection solutions, and also is integrating that business with its Darco Southern operation, which offers a variety of thermal solutions for commercial and industrial applications.
Davlyn Manufacturing added about 35,000 square feet to its factory in Spring City, Pa., bringing the facility to more than 100,000 square feet, according to Director of Sales Kevin Daly, who discussed the expansion at NAHAD's annual convention, held April 5-10 in Las Vegas.
The project includes the expansion of some new equipment, along with a variety of streamlining and lean manufacturing projects aimed at increasing both efficiency and capacity, he said. More capital investment is likely in the near future as well. "We're expecting to continue to invest in lean, we're going to continue to invest in technology and really utilize that the best we can to be as competitive as we can on a global scale," Daly said.
Investment figures for the expansion were not disclosed.
Davlyn makes a variety of thermal protection products, many lined or coated with silicone, such as its fire sleeve, Silco Tape-brand products, a fire blanket, fiberglass sleeve and tape, and fiberglass rope. He said the biggest end market for Davlyn goods is oil and gas, followed by applications in such sectors as transportation, steel foundries, hose fabrication, metals, home and hearth, and OEMs.
While the fire sleeves are often used in hose assemblies, the fire blanket is similar in construction but comes in a roll so the end user can cut it to fit their needs, Daly said.
Business for fiscal 2019, ended March 31, showed strong growth, he said, without disclosing specific financial figures.
Besides the new addition to the facility, Daly said plans are in place where an additional expansion can be built out as needed. "With the growth we're experiencing the last few years, I think it's going to be happening sooner rather than later," he added. "The added square footage to the building and the streamlining of our manufacturing processes gave us some efficiency and lean gains that ultimately are going to position the products for growth in the marketplace."
The decision to bring the Davlyn Manufacturing and Darco Southern businesses together will join the units' sales organizations as one, according to Daly, including using common ERP and CRM systems. "It's going to allow us to cross-sell more efficiently all of our products," he said. "We've got a lot of good relationships and momentum in the marketplace, so I think this integration will have some quick benefits for everybody."
There is some overlap in customers so there is an opportunity to better service customers, Daly said.
Darco operates from a facility in Independence, Va., manufacturing such goods as sleeves, gaskets, ropes, tapes, blankets and cloth, and other products. Many of its products also are silicone-coated. Its core industries include energy, boilers, chemical operations and OEMs.
"Our focus short term is really training all of our people so they can cross-sell and represent all of our products," he said. "Both companies have been very successful, but really to achieve the growth we want long term, integrating and bringing us closer together makes sense."
Daly said there are no plans to integrate the manufacturing because the two production processes are completely different. "We feel like they complement each other, and the people we have at both facilities, we don't want to lose their expertise or what they bring to the table."