4
JUNE 2014
A
sk Don Landoll, Founder and
President of Landoll Corporation,
what it takes to stay in business
for 50 years, and he’ll say, “Diversification.”
The company started by making farm equip-
ment but now operates several sales groups:
agricultural/earthmoving, trailer, forklift,
government/OEM, and aftermarket sales.
Strategies for Success
Landoll says, “Diversification has allowed
us to be in business for 50 years. For example,
when the farming economy got bad in the
1980s, we were able to switch to working
on aircraft deicers for the Air Force. We had
a 13-year deal; the US government was our
number-one customer for those years.”
Another factor in Landoll Corporation’s
success is vertical integration—that is,
bringing in raw materials, going through
the engineering and fabrication process,
and ending with finished products or parts.
Using this approach, says Landoll, “We
can quickly react to our customers’ needs.
We can easily build a prototype on our own
without having to wait for a supplier.
This ability gives us more flexibility in
our business.”
These strategies have paid off for the com-
pany, which now has three US locations
and a global market with customer exports
to over 39 countries.
Celebrating 50 Years
The company marked 50 years in business
on December 16, 2013, and currently has
approximately 1,000 employees from over
60 zip codes. The celebration took place on
May 30, 2014 at the Marysville, Kan.
location. Festivities included food, a live
band, fireworks, product displays, and
gratitude and recognition for those who
have helped Landoll Corporation become
what it is today. Attendees included current
and former employees, customers, community
members, and even some competitors.
Another component of the celebration was
tours, which Landoll says are requested
at the facility on a regular basis. He notes,
“People are interested in the manufacturing
process and machinery. We have the latest
in laser equipment and have done some
innovative things inmanufacturing, including
building some of our own robots (robotic
welders).”
Local Involvement
Just about everything Landoll Corpora-
tion does involves community members.
Employees are heavily involved in local
activities and organizations, including the
Marysville Chamber of Commerce and
Main Street. Currently, Landoll’s son, Phil,
is President of the Marysville Chamber,
and his daughter, Paula, is Chairman of
LeadershipMarshall County andMarysville
Main Street. Landoll himself is the chairman
of his church building committee working
to build a new church in town. He says,
“We’re all very proud of our community
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Landoll
Corporation
Celebrating 50 years of innovation
