This article was published on May 22, 2024 by Siouxland Proud (KCAU).

LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU) — An open house was held in Le Mars to celebrate the 30th anniversary of SmithCo Manufacturing, Inc.

The company makes side dump trailers, and they gave the public a chance to see their new robotic welders. There were also working trailers from the early days of SmithCo on display. The celebration had live music, food, a kids’ tent and prize drawings.

CEO Scott Lovell spoke with KCAU 9 about they were able to reach this big milestone.

“You go through the trials and the low points and ‘are we going to be here for very long?’ You know, when the economy is bad,” Lovell said. “Just to know we persevered through that and we got to where we are and we are the number one manufacturer, the industry leader recognized. And I work with some of the greatest on the face of the earth, that’s all I need.”

Lovell said the company is preparing for its future growth.