M21 Success Story

M21 Industries Growing with Help of Direct Loan from CityWide

Since becoming the majority owners in October 2002, Wolfgang Dalichau and Jeffrey Levine have begun to transform the former Module 21 Building Company into M21 Industries, LLC, a more diversified and faster growing company. After consulting with the Dayton Investment Network, the company recently secured a direct loan for working capital from CityWide and financing from the Miami Valley Venture Fund (MVVF).

Prior to becoming M21 Industries in 2002, Module 21 had been in existence for over 26 years and had developed a reputation as a high-quality fixture manufacturer. The company, which owns and operates a 230,000-square-foot facility at 721 Springfield Street in Dayton, produces custom retail fixtures and architectural millwork for large-volume customers such as new department stores. Products include items such as cash wraps, showcases, display tables and perimeter wall coverings.

Special Project Teams now target new markets, new fixtures, and the latest in cost-effective manufacturing techniques. Products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art equipment park that includes automated saws, CNC routers, edgebanders, thermo-forming tables, and custom machine set-ups, all supported by computer-based CAD CAM and engineering tools.

Dalichau and Levine have implemented major strategic and operational changes at M21, diversifying the company’s customer base into several new markets, including financial institutions, hospitals, schools and high-end boutiques. In the past year, they have added 50 new employees, nearly tripling the staff, in order to handle the increased volume.

“The previous owners, all of whom are still with the company, had developed a great base business on which we were able to build,” said Levine. “The people at Citywide and the MVVF took a look at our business plan, saw the opportunity, and had faith in what we were trying to accomplish. With their support, I believe we will be able to continue our growth and develop this company into a strong local employer.”