Dura-Trel Inc. — a maker of PVC lawn and garden products — has doubled the size of its manufacturing site in Sheboygan, Wis.
Dura-Trel had been leasing 15,000 square feet and leased another 15,000 during 2015, owner Bob Schnettler said Dec. 21 by phone.
“We needed more space and might need even more now,” he said. “Things are already tight, so we might be looking to add more in the next 12 months.”
The expansion will allow Dura-Trel to add five to 10 new jobs to its current work force of 19. The firm has seen increased demand for its line of trellises, planters, tables, benches and similar products, all of which are made of PVC.
Dura-Trel's products are backed by a 20-year warranty that protects against cracking, peeling, fading or any discoloration. The firm generates most of its sales online, either directly or through the web sites of Amazon, Target, Menards, Lowe's, Home Depot and other online retailers.
Some funding for the expansion was provided by Sheboygan County's Revolving Loan Fund. Senior lending was provided by Commerce State Bank of Sheboygan. Additional support for the project came from the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation and from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Small Business Development Center.
Dura-Trel was founded in a family garage in 1998.
