Koenders Manufacturing Company, Ltd. has grown to produce over 2 million dollars in annual sales and employ more than 20 full time staff. There are over 300 dealers across Canada and the northern United States, with the predominant customers being Peavey Mart and UFA. However, 100 windmills were shipped to Germany. The windmills make up half of Koenders' total sales. For instance, in the United States, they are about 6.5% of the total sales. Wilf would like to thank the Farm Progress Show for helping him find new dealers for his windmills, as he recalls a time in which he sold approximately 30 windmills at one show.

Wilf claims that the secret to Koenders' success is manufacturing the right products at the right time. He asserts that one must always begin working on a small-scale basis in order to test the product on potential customers. Therefore, if a product proves unsuccessful, little harm is done and large amounts of capital are not lost.

The company's success, Wilf assures, is also due to making high quality products for affordable prices. Koenders is able to maintain low prices by building their own moulds, as well as most of their equipment. As well, he feels one must always keep the needs of customers in mind. He ensures that an abundance of stock is always on hand, believing that customers should not have to wait for the products they order.

Wilf readily supports his local community. He feels that one does not need to search out of province for quality employees, for many of the best workers are found locally. Furthermore, Wilf is also sensitive to environmental concerns. The plastic Koenders uses is a medium-density polyethylene - a bi-product of petroleum obtained from various petrolium companies - which, in the past, has been merely disposed of.

Throughout the duration of Wilf's involvement with Koenders Mfg. Co. Ltd, he has come across many obstacles impeding his progress, however, none too big to handle. Although he is involved in every aspect of Koenders Manufacturing Company, Ltd., he becomes frustrated only when he has numerous problems to deal with at once. To solve this, Wilf simply delegates the appropriate people to solve specific problems.

Wilf has sold Koenders because he developed an allergy to the plastic used in the manufacturing process. Wilf has had insurmountable success with his business. In 1989, he won an award for being an exhibitor at the Pork Producers Show for 10 consecutive years and in 1994, he received an award for 15 consecutive years. He also received an award at the Brandon Trade Show in January, 1991, for the best exhibit of a new invention - Koenders' windmill. Furthermore, in March of 1991, Wilf won the Best Exhibit award at the Prince Albert Farm Fair.

In August of 1997, ownership was transferred to Policore Products Ltd., under the direction of Percy Eggerman and Gerard Worms. Both men have had previous experience in the plastics industry and are looking forward to applying their knowledge to further develop Koenders. They hope to expand on what Wilf created in Koenders Mfg. Co. Ltd. and follow his earlier philosophies and ideals. Percy and Gerard have already purchased three lots that ajoin the main manufacturing plant. A large display area and office complex will be constructed on the new lots and production facilities will be expanded into the front end of the plant, where the offices are presently located. Gerard and Percy would like to acknowledge the extensive contribution by Wilf and Francis Koenders and all of the employees that made Koenders Mfg. Co. Ltd. such a success.

Additional information regarding this manufacturer is available on-line. The Koenders Manufacturing Internet Website can be viewed at http://humboldtsk.com/Koenders/index.html or send them an e-mail.