Universal Industries

If one thing has always rung true at Universal Industries throughout its 100 plus year history, it's that things have always been on the move. Whether that literally means moving materials up through its conveyor and elevator systems, or symbolizes its cutting edge approach to gentle handling, Universal Industries remains a dynamic business. Universal Industries, Inc. was founded in 1906 under the name Universal Hoist Company, and was in the business of rope and cable hoist production. Back then its products helped transport bags of flour, sugar and coffee. In the 1920s and 30s, Universal Hoist began manufacturing hand crank seed corn graders. This industry grew at a rapid pace, and the need for transferring seed to the top of large graders became prevalent. Universal Hoist evolved once again to meet the new demand and began designing the very first bucket elevators. After new ownership, Universal Hoist became Universal Industries in 1961. Universal Industries' primary focus of creating bucket elevators for various materials was established. Throughout the next few decades, Universal became widely known and successful in the bulk material industry as a leader in the gentle handling of products. Products moving through its elevator and conveyors have since become wide ranging and often quite surprising. Under the leadership of Dean Beershan, who became the company's general manager in 1991 and president CEO in 1996, Universal Industries began exploring more uncharted territory. Starting in 2003, Universal began to focus on developing new product lines such as the Dekosa and the new highly acclaimed Unitube tube conveyors. Along with success, inevitably comes growth, and Universal Industries just completed a building expansion of 30,000 square feet of production in the early part of 2011. The company now houses nearly 100,000 square feet in the Cedar Falls Industrial Park. Congratulations to Universal Industries, winner of the Long Time Investor Award.