Years Recognized: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022
Manufacturer of high quality carts and material handling solutions.
How has your company grown since your recognition as a Future 50 company?
Royal Basket Trucks was first recognized as a Future 50 company in 2011, and again in 2012, 2013, and most recently in 2022. Since 2011 our net sales have increased by 15% per year. Over that same time, Royal has gone from 60 to 170 employees, and our manufacturing space has nearly quadrupled. Royal continues to invest in manufacturing equipment, increasing our capabilities. Royal was recognized as a Top Workplace in Southeastern Wisconsin in 2022 and 2023.
What new things has your company done since your recognition as a Future 50 company?
Since our initial recognition, Royal has continued to cross-train our employees as we have added new manufacturing processes. We have added additional equipment to support our sewing function, such as CNC-controlled cutting machines, in-house printing capabilities, and material handling efficiencies. Sheet metal capabilities have been added to enhance our metal fabrication. New wire bending and tube bending equipment have dramatically reduced our inventory and cycle times. In-house rotational molding equipment that was installed allows for continued short lead times to our customers.
What has changed in your business/industry since your recognition as a Future 50 company?
We continue to see consolidation in our customer markets and the competitive landscape.
What advice would you give to this year’s class of Future 50 winners and other growing companies?
Share your mission, appreciate your employees, and be sure your management teams are all rowing in the same direction.
How does your company foster innovation?
Royal Recognition and Rewards, is an internal program, offering opportunities for employee contributions to process improvements and new product ideas. We believe it is important to listen to our customers, whether at tradeshows, on-premises visits, or customer service support.
Where do you see your company in 1 year, 5 years?
This year we have focused on internal processes and lean manufacturing techniques to increase our bottom-line profits by over 40%. In the next 5 years, Royal will expand their reach into growth markets and continue to lead with innovative solutions, while on trajectory to achieve $50 million in annual sales.
What opportunities/challenges do you see on the horizon for your industry?
We continue to see more onshoring efforts and opportunities as discussed above. We see challenges due to labor and material inflation, labor shortages, and the cost of employee benefits.
Does your company have any new products, or services to announce? Please describe.
We have recently introduced a Motorized Housekeeping Cart, along with product improvements to our X-Frame Carts and Collapsible Basket Trucks.
What is your corporate philosophy? What sets it apart?
Our philosophy is to take care of our people, so they take care of our customers. Our company is set apart because we produce high-quality products, manufactured to order, and shipped as promised with a short lead time.
Industry: Manufacturing
Employees: 170
Royal Basket Trucks, Inc.
262.882.1227
royal-basket.com
