From a small warehouse in Wisconsin to a nationwide industry leader, the story of IND Drums USA is one of steady growth, continuous improvement, and unwavering commitment to our customers.
The Beginning (1998-2002)
A Vision Takes Shape in Wisconsin
IND Drums USA was founded in 1998 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, by a team of industry veterans who saw an opportunity to provide better service to the industrial drum market. Starting with a small warehouse, just 5 dedicated employees, and a clear vision for the future, we focused on building relationships with local manufacturers who needed reliable partners for their container needs.
Our early years were marked by a commitment to quality and customer service that would become the foundation of our company culture. We started by buying and selling used steel drums, carefully inspecting each container to ensure it met our rigorous standards before selling.
During these formative years, we established the core principles that still guide our business today: honest dealing, fair pricing, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. We learned that in this industry, reputation is everything, and we worked hard to earn the trust of every customer we served.
By 2002, word had spread throughout the Green Bay area about our reliable service and quality products. Local manufacturers began referring us to their business partners, and our customer base grew organically through these trusted recommendations.
Regional Expansion (2003-2007)
Growing Beyond Wisconsin
By 2003, word of our reliable service had spread throughout the Midwest region. We expanded our operations to serve customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, and Ohio. This growth required significant investment in larger facilities and a dedicated fleet of trucks for transportation services.
We opened our first expanded warehouse facility in 2004, tripling our storage capacity and allowing us to maintain larger inventory levels. This meant we could fulfill larger orders more quickly, which was essential for serving the manufacturing companies that became our core customer base.
During this period, we also began offering plastic drum services, recognizing the growing demand for lightweight, corrosion-resistant containers in the food processing, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Adding plastic drums to our inventory required new expertise and handling procedures, which we developed through extensive training and industry partnerships.
By 2007, we had established ourselves as the premier drum supplier in the Midwest, serving hundreds of businesses across six states. Our team had grown to over 25 employees, and we were processing thousands of drums each month.
Service Innovation (2008-2015)
Becoming a Full-Service Provider
In 2008, we launched our drum reconditioning services, a major milestone that transformed our business model. Reconditioning allows customers to extend the life of their containers while reducing costs and environmental impact. This investment in state-of-the-art reconditioning equipment and trained technicians positioned us as a full-service provider.
Our reconditioning facility features specialized cleaning systems, testing equipment, and repair capabilities. Every reconditioned drum undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets UN/DOT specifications for safe transport of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
The following years saw continued innovation. We opened a second facility in 2012 to increase our capacity and reduce delivery times for customers throughout the region. This expansion allowed us to better serve our growing customer base while maintaining the quality and service levels that had become our trademark.
In 2014, we expanded our product offerings to include fiber drums and specialty containers, meeting the needs of customers in industries ranging from food production to pharmaceuticals. We also began offering stainless steel drums for applications requiring the highest levels of sanitation and durability.
By 2015, we had established partnerships with recycling facilities across the country, enabling us to offer comprehensive end-of-life solutions for drums that could no longer be reconditioned. This circular approach to container management resonated with customers increasingly focused on sustainability.
Nationwide Service (2016-2019)
Coast to Coast Coverage
2016 marked a significant milestone: the achievement of true nationwide service coverage. Through strategic partnerships with logistics providers and regional drum suppliers, we became able to serve customers in all 48 contiguous states with efficient pickup and delivery services.
This expansion required significant investment in our logistics infrastructure. We developed relationships with trusted carriers across the country and implemented tracking systems that give customers real-time visibility into their shipments. Our logistics team grew to handle the complexity of coordinating pickups and deliveries across multiple time zones.
During this period, we also invested heavily in our team. We hired regional account managers who understand the unique needs of customers in different parts of the country. Whether dealing with the oil industry in Texas, food processors in California, or manufacturers in the Northeast, our team has the expertise to provide relevant solutions.
In 2018, we celebrated our 20th anniversary in business, marking two decades of serving American industry. The celebration was an opportunity to reflect on how far we had come and to thank the customers and employees who made our success possible.
By 2019, we were processing over 50,000 drums annually and serving more than 400 business customers across the United States. Our reputation for quality and reliability had made us the preferred partner for companies ranging from small manufacturers to Fortune 500 corporations.
Technology & Sustainability (2020-Present)
Innovation for the Future
The 2020s brought new challenges and opportunities. We invested heavily in technology to improve our operations and customer experience. New inventory management systems give us real-time visibility into our stock levels across multiple locations, enabling faster fulfillment and better service.
Our 2020 introduction of advanced recycling technologies has allowed us to recover and repurpose materials more efficiently than ever before. We now achieve a material recovery rate of over 95%, ensuring that even drums that cannot be reconditioned are handled responsibly.
We also upgraded our customer portal, giving clients the ability to request quotes, track orders, and access their transaction history online. These digital tools have streamlined our operations and made it easier for customers to do business with us.
In 2022, we expanded our transportation fleet and logistics network, adding new capabilities for handling large-volume orders and specialized containers. We also began offering scheduled pickup services for customers who generate a consistent flow of drums, making their operations more efficient.
Today, IND Drums USA proudly serves over 500 customers nationwide, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. We continue to invest in our people, our facilities, and our technology to provide the best possible service.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to the values that have guided us since 1998: quality, reliability, sustainability, and customer focus. The industrial landscape continues to evolve, and we are evolving with it, always seeking new ways to serve our customers better while protecting the environment.