We are pleased to announce the arrival of our new Trumpf TruLaser Tube 5000.
Installing a major piece of equipment is no small feat. Planning for the installation begain 4+ months in advance of its arrival and included the input of production supervisory staff, our maintenance team, the plant manager, our VP of Operations and our CEO. Combined, they spent significant time planning not only for the equipment installation, but also for the optimization of our plant for layout.
In order to ensure successful installation, and the long-term productivity of the new laser, our team carefully planned the orientation and location of the laser, ultimately opting to reorganize sections of our current production floor in order to optimize the flow of material coming off of the laser. Its ultimate destination was a combination of factors that included production flow optimization, and the equally important safety planning that is required when transporting long tube throughout the facility.
Once location, orientation and process flow were factored in, preparation for installation could begin. This included upgrading our nitrogen line to create a closed loop, installation of a new concrete pad, with reinforced concrete and new electric and air line drops.
When the equipment arrived from Trumpf, our facility, team and contractors were ready to begin installation immediately. The laser came on 4 flatbed trucks and installation spanned over the course of a couple of weeks. Our maintenance team worked closely with Trumpf technicians to ensure everything went smoothly.
The result of all the preparation? Our new laser is up and running in record time, operating at over 3x the speed of our existing tube laser. Check out the video below to see it in action!
We pride ourselves on a strong relationship-focused approach to doing business. Whether you are a brand new customer, or someone who has worked with us for years our aim is to work as an extension of your workforce. We’ll use our state-of-the-art automated facility, and a highly engaged workforce to work as your contract manufacturing partner.
In the video, hear from Seth Reppen, our Vice President, on what customers can expect when they choose to do business with Dane.
This article was originally published on March 21, 2025 by the Wisconsin State Journal. To view the original article, please use the link in the citation found below.
Before Mike Davis arrived at Dane Manufacturing years ago, he’d grown accustomed to responding mechanically to a grating sound piped onto factory floors at regular intervals. But for all its practicality, he was more than happy to be saved from (certainly not by) the bell — or that infernal buzzer as it were.
“I’m 61 years old. I’ve been in manufacturing all my life, and this is the first manufacturing company that I’ve ever worked at that didn’t have a buzzer system,” explained Davis, a trainer who shows new employees the ropes at Dane. “They don’t buzz you to go to break. They don’t buzz you to get back to your machine. They trust you to be responsible, and I like that.”
He contrasts that with a previous manufacturing job where he was made to feel more like a cog in a wheel, rather than a human being — buzzed constantly to limit breaks and squeeze every minute out of workers on the factory line. “It made me feel like they didn’t trust me — I was part of the machinery,” he recalled. “It was a terrible feeling. … It was too stiff.”
At Dane, by contrast, he and other employees describe a relaxed — yet by-the-book in regards to putting safety first — environment, where employees are comfortable joking with one another. Making employees feel that everyone from leadership to the most junior worker is all in it together is the secret sauce for this midsized employer, which was named a Top Workplace for the first time. It’s a cooperative spirit that permeates all levels of organization.
“I really like what a team environment it is. It’s not looked at as this is my job or your job. It’s our job,” said Tom Krumpen, a team lead in assembly at Dane. “Every department has their own responsibilities, but if there’s something you need to get done, you can count on help from anybody in the plant.”
That’s the tone set by owner Troy Berg and it extends to the factory floor, according to Krumpen and others who work there. “Everybody just is willing to work together,” he continued. “They’ll jump in, run a machine. Anybody will do anything they can to help out.” The team approach is vital to turn around customers’ orders quickly, he added.
Monthly all-company meals, where food is brought in or supervisors grill out, are also a feature of work life at Dane. Employees and managers describe a workplace where accomplishments are celebrated and workers are regularly asked for their input to refine operations and improve the overall experience.
Mike Westphal, production manager, discusses operations with Jeremy Borman, production supervisor, at Dane Manufacturing.
“It’s not just dictating to the employee what you want out of them,” said Mike Westphal, production supervisor. “It’s more of a two-way conversation [like], ‘Hey, how can I make your life easier?’”
Instead of slowing things down, employees like Davis said that the people-first approach motivates them to work harder. Accordingly, that’s how he deals with his charges. “I don’t tell people what to do, I ask them to do something for me,” the trainer said. If something needs to be shipped by 5 o’clock, he added, “you would be amazed at how they hustle to get that job out the door.”
“I really like what a team environment it is. It’s not looked at as this is my job or your job. It’s our job.”
Tom Krumpen, team lead in assembly at Dane Manufacturing
At A Glance
Dane Manufacturing: Contract manufacturer and metal fabricator
Founded: 1917
Madison Area Locations: 1
Local Employees: 188
4/1/2025 – We are pleased to share that Dane Manufacturing has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by Madison Top Workplaces. Top Workplaces are recognized and awarded solely based on employee feedback gathered through a third-party and confidential survey executed by Energage. The survey uniquely measures the employee experience throughout the company and provides employees a direct way to provide feedback and to help shape company culture.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
Dane adopts a unique employee first mentality. Through investment in company culture, employee training programs, leadership opportunities and empowerment, employees have opportunities to grow, feel appreciated and make an impact. We are intentional about creating an environment that makes our teams feel valued, which in turn leads to a passionate workforce who is able to deliver the high levels of service and quality that foster strong relationships with our customers.
Jennifer Petree, Vice President of Human Resources at Dane Manufacturing said, “We are incredibly honored to be recognized as one of the top workplaces. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of our amazing team. We believe in fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to grow, and this recognition reflects the positive culture here at Dane. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to continue making this an exceptional place to work.”
About Dane Manufacturing
Over the course of our 100 year history as a contract manufacturer and metal fabricator, our mission has been focused on enriching the lives of our employees, our customers and our community. We enable this mission by partnering with OEM manufacturers, delivering comprehensive end-to-end contract manufacturing and metal fabrication services in our state-of-the art manufacturing facility. We invest in employee training programs, continued education opportunities and employee enrichment constantly. We also train our leaders to empower their teams to pursue innovative solutions to challenging problems for our customers. The result is a passionate, dedicated workforce who are committed to serving our customers with excellence.
Over the course of our 100-year history, Dane Manufacturing has become known for innovation. Our state-of-the art manufacturing facility and tightly run operations are focused on delivering an unmatched performance level that customers can trust.
In this video tour, you’ll hear from Scott Cannatelli, our Vice President of Operations and get an inside look at our automated capabilities, detailed processes and the equipment that makes everything go.
As we gear up for rapid growth and an exciting 2025, we took a moment to talk to two of our key team members whose influence and direction will shape our team’s efforts this year. Scott Canatelli, our Vice President of Operations and Mike Westphal, our plant manager have big plans that will propel our company further towards an Industry 4.0 smart factory, expanding our capabilities, efficiencies and making us even better partners for our customers.
First of all welcome, and thanks for agreeing to talk to us. Why don’t you take a minute to introduce yourselves.
Michael Westphal (MW): I am the Plant Manager here at Dane. I oversee the production teams and work alongside our team leaders to make sure our manufacturing facility runs smoothly. Coming to work and operating with our highly motivated team and positive attitudes is exciting. I’m looking forward to our future, and am eager to help my employees succeed and grow along the way.
Scott Cannatelli (SC): I am the Vice President of Operations. I oversee a number of departments and work to make sure our teams are collaborating and working efficiently to surpass the expectations of our customers. To build on what Mike said, the Dane team is extremely motivated and driven to win. Complacency isn’t our vocabulary and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this team. As the saying goes, “when you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”.
Given your roles, the two of you work very closely every day. What makes the two of you work well together?
MW: I think our end goals are very similar. We are both very motivated, we care about our team, and we share the same desire to execute well thought out plans and initiatives to make Dane grow and be even more successful.
SC: There is strong synergy between Mike and me. We have clear objectives defined; however, we both remain very flexible and quickly adjust when circumstances change. We communicate constantly and we stay in tune with each other’s work and initiatives. The mutual awareness allows him to support me proactively, often without needing to ask, and I strive to do the same for him. Ultimately our success can be boiled down to communication and alignment.
In your roles leading the production team, what influence do our customers play in your day-to-day decision-making process?
SC: We work closely with our sales team to stay connected to our customer’s needs which provides critical insight that help guides our production decisions. Looking ahead, Mike and I will both look to connect directly with customers by visiting their locations. We want to see their operations firsthand and build personal connections so that we can deepen our understanding of their challenges and goals. This will help us align our production efforts even more closely with their needs.
MW: Without our customers, we don’t have work. Our customers have expectations for us and we look to exceed those expectations for every job that they trust us to work on, so learning their business challenges and needs is incredibly important for us.
Occasionally we encounter situations where a customer request falls outside our current capabilities. Even then, our mindset is always, ‘How do we get to yes?’. This question drives us to explore creative solutions and provide ideas for how we can continue to grow together.
What major initiatives do you have out on the production floor for 2025?
MW: Well our production floor is getting an upgrade. We’ve invested in several new cutting-edge pieces of machinery that will significantly enhance Dane’s production capabilities, particularly our ability utilize automation. The Starmatic Robotic Unloader we are adding provides automated unloading and palletizing and enables us to operate with unattended, lights-out production. Dane is well on its way to becoming one of the most integrated sheet metal fabrication smart factories in the US.
SC: We also have some very exciting initiatives for 2025.
In parallel to the new equipment and production floor optimization, we are launching a Quick Response Manufacturing initiative. This is a customer-focused goal as it’s geared to reducing lead times which helps us better respond to our customer’s needs. QRM principles will impact a number of areas on our floor.
Additionally, we are transitioning from a paper-based work traveler system to a virtual platform. This digital transformation will streamline production workflows, support our QRM efforts and enable further smart factory integration.
The list goes on, but those are a few of the highlights for 2025. Overall, we’re excited about where it will take us and what it will mean for our customers.
What other new equipment is coming to Dane?
MW: Well, we have a new tube laser which with significantly enhanced capabilities. It will cut our current tube laser’s processing time in half. Finally, one of the most exciting pieces of equipment we have coming is a new panel bend cell. This cell will tie into our STOPA system which stores raw material. Material will be delivered directly to the panel bender, materials will be processed and then robotically transferred to a palletized system with an integrated conveyer system.
You mentioned STOPA. What can you tell us about Dane’s use of automation and STOPA? How does it impact our customers?
SC: STOPA is a critical piece of equipment, and the largest structure you’ll see on our floor. It is a sophisticated material handling system, with several pieces of Trumpf machinery connected to it. Dane’s use of automation helps us in several ways. It allows our operators to focus on managing exceptions and issues instead of putting pressure on an operator to push more product through the line and it also enhances Dane’s quality control process. It’s important to emphasize that Dane is utilizing automation to complement our workforce, not to replace it. We’ve found that automation adds value by complementing the expertise of our operators and we grow, both in capability and in job creation, as a result.
You also mentioned QRM as a major initiative in 2025. What is QRM?
SC: Great question. Quick Response Manufacturing is an approach to manufacturing that aims to reduce both internal and external lead times. It’s an enterprise-wide strategy that addresses all aspects of supporting our customers from order receipt to order shipment.
What are some ways that Dane is looking to apply QRM principles to their operations?
SC: We have identified two key areas where we can make a significant impact on lead times. Currently, our scheduling process has quite a bit of non-value-added time built into it. We are tightening up our scheduling process to reduce lead times and minimize the amount of material waiting in our plant at any given time. 
We also know that we have some inefficiencies in our front-end processes; these are the steps that take place before an order is released to the floor. We are in the process of capturing baseline measurements and will begin launching an improvement plan in the very near future. QRM gives us a framework to review these processes, eliminate waste and as a result, run efficiently and accurately for our customers.
Ok let’s shift gears. We all know that a big part of what sets Dane apart is our people. What makes the Dane team unique?
MW: I think that two things make this team unique. People sincerely enjoy working here. Troy (our CEO) makes it very clear that our employees come first and that shows through his actions and the culture we have here. You can see it and feel it when you walk through the plant and that makes all the difference in the world.
Second, complacency isn’t in the culture here. Our teams want to keep getting better. Scott and I work hard with our teams to encourage our team members and team leads to bring solutions and ideas. All ideas are welcome. When we work together with a common vision, this team can do a lot of great things. When employees enjoy what they do, and feel valued and passionate about what they are doing, it creates something really special.
In your opinion, what can customers expect from Dane?
SC: I believe our customers want a fabricator or contract manufacturing partner that is dependable and one who is as invested in their success as we are in our own. They want a partner who they can trust again and again. Delivering on that is what all of our operational growth is about.
That is what we mean when we say “More Than Metal.” We are more than someone who can bend metal or weld something. We are a manufacturing partner you can trust and we are continually focused on getting even better.
A strong foundation is key to the success of any organization. Throughout our company’s 100+ year history, Dane has been rooted in its values, focusing on hard work, innovation and embracing strategic change.
Today, our company’s culture and identity are driven by our four core values. These values are the foundation of how we operate, represent the culture that we are striving to achieve, and drive the strategy that will continue to help us secure great results in the future.
That’s what our “More Than Metal” mantra stands for. We don’t just provide metal fabrication and contract manufacturing services. We exist to deliver meaningful partnerships and personalized interactions to our employees and customers, and to make a positive impact on the people with whom we’re connected.
Invest
We value the lives of those around us and look to regularly invest and serve those in our circle of influence.
Investing in others is a responsibility that we all bear as individuals. We invest our time and resources in our kids, our neighbors, our friends and colleagues. But it’s also the driving force behind our organization. As a company, we apply this core value in many ways. We take an employee first mentality, and embrace the opportunity to enrich the lives of our team members on a personal level. Beyond offering them a safe and rewarding workplace experience, we aim to empower their growth through training and education programs, and our leaders strive to create a strong culture within their teams. As a result, employees have the opportunity to grow in both their lives and careers.
Our goal to invest in others also applies to our customers and the community that surrounds us. Dane’s unique approach to manufacturing is centered on delivering a personalized partnership to our customers. This manifests itself in the form of regular customer visits, development of personal relationships and mutually creating plans and strategies that enable us to grow along side of one another. Together, the success of our customers, and of Dane enables us to benefit our communities, enriching the lives of our neighbors and friends.
This core value is at the heart of all our work and carries the most influence. What is important to us is reflected in our company’s mission statement, which articulates our desire to invest in those around us.
Mission Statement
We exist to enable the enrichment of our employees, customers and community through an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative metal solutions.
Innovate
We utilize a solution-oriented mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to adapt, expand and grow.
Innovation resides at the core of everything we do. Since the beginning, Dane has been characterized by a desire to adapt, innovate and grow. This philosophy is led by our CEO and President, Troy Berg, whose passionate entrepreneurial spirit has enabled our pursuit of automation and the creation of our state-of-the-art facility.
This core value is about more than just investment into technology. Like those early entrepreneurs who started Dane and led it through the Great Depression and both World Wars, it requires adaptation, willingness to embrace change and a visionary mindset. Our leaders and teams are empowered to solve problems, overcome challenges and bring creative ideas and collective wisdom for continually improving our customer service and positive experience.
Integrity
We operate with authenticity and honesty knowing that trust is critical in all our relationships and interactions.
Trust is critical in all relationships, and is especially important to our customers. Our core value “Integrity” is the champions trust and sets the expectation of authenticity and honesty in all our partnerships.
When problems occur, we don’t take shortcuts, nor do we hide them. Instead, we collaborate with clients to offer meaningful solutions knowing that our long-term partnerships rely on this mutual trust. As a result, we develop lifetime relationships with our customers and operate as an extension of their own manufacturing team.
Excellence
We maintain the highest standard for the quality of our work and in our interactions with the people around us.
Quality is absolute and non-negotiable. Our customers expect it from their partners and we’re passionate about pursuing it throughout our company. We aim to deliver excellence in all our operations, on all of our projects, in our appreciation of employees and in all of our customer partnerships. Customers can count on our commitment to quality manufacturing practices, resulting in on-time delivery of quality parts. This is supported by our ISO 90001:2015 certification, which underlines our commitment to an enhanced and well-defined quality management system. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond what we make, and encompasses how we act, conduct our business, the high caliber people we hire, and in each and every circumstance. We’re humans after all, and won’t get everything perfect, but we’ll relentlessly pursue excellence in all facets of our business.
Our core values aren’t merely guidelines, they are the driving force behind everything we do. For the past 100 years, these values have helped us build a strong foundation of trust, innovation, and quality and also shaped our vision for the future. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to these values, ensuring a value-driven organization that will always go the extra mile to enrich the lives of those around us… More Than Metal.
Manufacturing Today recently interviewed Dane Manufacturing’s President and CEO Troy F. Berg highlighting Dane’s 100+ year legacy. In the interview, Troy explained how the company has embraced change and implemented advanced technologies to fulfill the increasingly complex requirements of our manufacturing partners. The article also highlights how Dane’s focus on people and quality has enabled the company to be a reliable metal fabrication and contract manufacturing partner.
You’ve probably heard it a million times: “The customer comes first!” Indeed, any successful business has to place an emphasis on meeting the needs of its customers. Our customers are extremely important to us, and their success ultimately fuels the growth of our company. As a result we place a unique emphasis on developing close partnerships with them. However we adopt a unique methodology of delivering on these expectations and close relationships.
Employees come first.
Fueled by the passion of our CEO Troy Berg, we’ve emphasized company culture, employee investment and engagement. We create an environment that makes our teams feel valued, which in turn leads to a passionate workforce who is able to deliver the high levels of service and quality that foster strong relationships with our customers.
Watch the video below to hear directly from Troy about the unique business philosophy that is driving our success! Want to learn more, or see our people-first approach in action? Contact Us.
Over the course of our 100 year history as a contract manufacturer and metal fabricator, our mission has been focused on enriching the lives of our employees, our customers and our community.
In order to do all of those things, Dane has to continue growing. We are continually looking forward, forcasting the needs of our customers, and investing in innovative technologies that will grow our capacity and increase our ability to partner with our customers. Since our move to our new facility in 2021, we’ve continually invested in top-of-the-line equipment and have built one of the most advance smart facilities in the United States. Continuing on that mission, we have several new and exciting pieces of technologies coming to our facility in 2025. We hope our customers will be excited about these new additions, and our ongoing pursuit to provide growing capacity and exceptional contract manufacturing and metal fabrication services.
Trumpf TruBend 8400
Arrived October 2024
The Trumpf TruBend 8400 is the latest generation of the Trumpf TruBend series. It functions at high speeds, is suitable for large or heavy dimensions and adds efficiency to our facility.
Learn More
Trumpf TruBend 2100
Arriving December 2024
Extending our current lineup of Trumpf press brakes, the 10′ TruBend 2100 will add capacity and continue our standard for precise, quality bends.
Learn More
Trumpf TruLaser Tube 5000
Arriving February 2025
Our new state-of-the-art tube laser increases our capability and capacity while reducing production times through more efficient production. It features RapidCut technology, bevel cut capability, automatic loading and is very versatile.
Learn More
Starmatic Robotic Unloading System
Arriving April 2025
This is an advanced addition to our TruBend 7030 that enables automatic robotic palletization. It includes a state of the art robotic arm for automated loading and unloading and further adds capability to our state-of-the-art automated production capability.
See It In Action
Robotic Trubend Cell 5000
Arriving May 2025
This universal bending cell includes a Trumpf 5130 press brake and enables 100% unattended automation capabilities. It is extremely precise, and features a wide range of capabilities suitable for small and large parts.
Learn More