LDJ Manufacturing, the manufacturer of agricultural and construction brand Thunder Creek Equipment, has transitioned 100 percent of its ownership to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). While the business will continue to operate as it is today with existing leadership, the transition to an ESOP provides an opportunity for the employees to be more invested in the success of the company and rewards team members with additional long-term retirement benefits.

The company was founded in Pella by Loren and Jean Van Wyk in 1995 with their sons, Luke and Chad. Originally started as a steel fabrication business, LDJ grew into an industry-leading manufacturer of mobile fuel and service solutions with the launch of the Thunder Creek Equipment brand.

Since its inception in 2009, Thunder Creek has experienced significant growth and is now found on farms, construction sites and in countless other applications across the United States.

“This was an exciting announcement as the new ESOP enables our team members to share in the growth and prosperity of the company, and ensures that the company remains private and local,” says Ben Cox, president, LDJ Manufacturing. “We remain committed to our core values and to the success of the business and our team members — all while retaining the focus on quality and customer satisfaction that has been instilled in the company by the Van Wyk family from the beginning.”

Hear more about LDJ Manufacturing during an upcoming edition of In Depth with Dr. Bob Leonard.