For the second time this year, national political and business officials have traveled to Des-Case Corporation to better understand what is driving strong success for the Middle Tennessee manufacturer.
In March, the U.S. director of intergovernmental affairs toured the Des-Case Corporation plant in Goodlettsville and proclaimed the specialty filtration manufacturer an example of how companies could partner with the U.S. Department of Commerce for export success. Today, Tennessee U.S. Representative Diane Black (R-TN) toured the facility to gain a deeper understanding of the company’s products, process and recent gains in market share, both within the United States and abroad.
“I wanted to get an up-close look at this unique manufacturer and better see how this Middle Tennessee company has so well positioned itself for success,” Representative Diane Black said at the visit. “As a voice in Congress for both businesses and individuals here in Middle Tennessee, I’m interested in doing all I can to help open markets around the world for our companies, while creating jobs here at home. Des-Case has done a fantastic job growing its business through its own innovation and initiative. I think there is much that all of us can learn from them and emulate, while getting government out of the way to make it easier for them and other businesses in middle Tennessee to grow and thrive.”
A global manufacturer of specialty filtration products that improve process equipment reliability and extend lubricant life, Des-Case Corporation has developed from a small manufacturer founded in 1983 with modest sales in the U.S. to a global leader in the contamination control product industry with 35% of its sales in international countries and growing rapidly. “We’ve certainly taken advantage of programs and resources available to firms like us through the government, such as the Nashville Export Assistance Center and the U.S. Department of Commerce,” said Brian Gleason, CEO of Des-Case. “But a lot has come from our team’s efforts in aggressive product innovation, strong customer service and building great partnerships throughout the marketplace. That has helped us realize much of our success and create more and better jobs through all economic climates.”
Representative Black’s visit included a tour of the plant where the company’s full line of desiccant breathers, fluid handling systems and visual oil analysis products are manufactured, as well as impromptu discussions with company executives. She also took a crack (pun intended) at destroying one of the company’s desiccant breathers, an industry-leading product known for its durability. Despite the Congresswoman’s best efforts, the breather stayed intact following the high impact test.
Des-Case markets a broad array of products that help prolong the life of industrial lubricants and fuels — minimizing waste, increasing equipment life, reducing downtime and improving equipment reliability. This means lower operating costs, benefits for the environment, less repairs and improved plant operations. The company’s trademarked and patented solutions are marketed through an extensive global distribution network, private label and OEM partners. Over the last 15 years, Des-Case has not only grown U.S. sales, but exported its products to a number of countries including Belize, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago and, more recently, Australia and the Philippines. The company has also seen growth in Europe, China, Canada and other countries through strategic distribution partners and original equipment manufacturers.
