Employee Ownership in West Des Moines
Back in 1986, a model took root when Owner Revolution was founded in West Des Moines, Iowa, building an enterprise structure designed to keep equity directly in the hands of the people working the shop floor.
Operating under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan model, the holding company now employs roughly 500 to 1,000 people, LightSource reported. That workforce powers regional manufacturing capacity across industrial footprints.
Scale in the Midwest often hides in plain sight behind unassuming corporate names. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Adair and Atlantic, Iowa, covering over 300,000 square feet, LightSource noted. Those shop floors supply crucial metal fabrication work across the automotive, electric-vehicle, renewable-energy, and industrial-equipment sectors.
Specialized Manufacturing Capabilities
Its subsidiaries produce specialized industrial equipment and custom components, LightSource detailed. The production lines turn out everything from ultrasonic cleaning systems and lottery ticket dispensers to promotional displays, floating modular docks, and rotationally molded plastic products.
The company holds ISO 9001 certification, LightSource confirmed, though procurement teams must confirm the specific certified scope for the exact plant producing their parts.
LightSource Operates Through Private and Employee Ownership
Privately held and employee-owned through an ESOP structure, the firm has not reported named customers in the available record, LightSource stated.
On the LightSource stability read it is rated “Established & active”: 40 years in operation (founded 1986).
Industrial Production Questions
What does Owner Revolution manufacture across its Iowa plants?
The holding company’s subsidiaries produce specialized industrial equipment and custom components, including ultrasonic cleaning systems, lottery ticket dispensers, promotional displays, floating modular docks, and rotationally molded plastic products.
Where are the primary manufacturing facilities located?
Manufacturing operations are centered in Adair and Atlantic, Iowa, across facilities covering more than 300,000 square feet, while corporate headquarters are located at 5550 Wild Rose Ln in West Des Moines, Iowa.
How large is the workforce and revenue footprint?
The enterprise employs roughly 500 to 1,000 people and generates an estimated annual revenue in the $100 to $250 million range.
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