Dee Zee Corporate - Main Plant

Located at 1572 NE 58th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA, Dee Zee Corporate - Main Plant is not a typical local auto parts retail store or a conventional auto repair station in the sense of providing direct repair services to the public for a wide range of vehicle issues. Instead, this facility serves as the primary manufacturing hub for Dee Zee, a well-known brand in the truck accessory market. While it operates within the broader automotive industry and produces goods for sale, its primary function is industrial manufacturing, supplying its products to various retailers and directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For inquiries, the plant can be reached at (515) 265-7331 or +1 515-265-7331.

The environment at Dee Zee Corporate - Main Plant is that of a large-scale manufacturing facility. Expect to find industrial settings with production lines, machinery, and warehousing. As one of the largest OEM suppliers in the automotive industry and a major manufacturer of truck accessories, their operations span over one million square feet across seven buildings in Central Iowa, dedicated to manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, and shipping. The focus of the environment is on efficiency, production, and logistics, rather than customer-facing retail display areas or repair bays for individual vehicles. Their manufacturing processes emphasize "green manufacturing techniques," including extensive recycling efforts and material reductions, indicating a commitment to environmental responsibility within their industrial setting.

The services or goods for sale from Dee Zee, originating from this main plant, primarily revolve around a wide array of truck accessories. These products are then distributed through various retail channels, rather than being sold directly from this corporate plant to walk-in customers for immediate installation. Their extensive product lines are designed to cater to the needs of truck owners, providing durable, functional, and stylish accessories. Key product categories include:

• Running Boards and Side Steps: Dee Zee is recognized as one of the world's largest manufacturers of these items, a staple for truck owners seeking easier vehicle access and enhanced aesthetics.
• Truck Tool Boxes and Storage Solutions: This encompasses various designs, from traditional cross-bed toolboxes to under-tonneau storage drawers and specialty chests, providing secure storage for tools and gear.
• Truck Bed Accessories: Such as bed mats, bed rails, tailgate protectors, and cargo carriers, designed to protect the truck bed and improve cargo management.
• Grille Guards and Bull Bars: Providing front-end protection and a rugged appearance.
• Cab Racks and Ladder Racks: For additional cargo hauling capabilities, particularly for work trucks.
• Fuel Transfer Tanks: Though as noted in their warranty information, pumps and accessories for these are often covered by their manufacturer (GPI) warranty, not Dee Zee's.
• Other Accessories: Including mud flaps, floor mats, and various exterior and interior enhancements.

Many of these products are manufactured and packaged directly at their Des Moines facility, utilizing parts sourced from American vendors, highlighting their commitment to domestic production.

One of the key features of Dee Zee is its significant role as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This means they are a trusted partner to major auto industry names like Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota, supplying components that are then integrated into new vehicles. This OEM status underscores their manufacturing capabilities and quality standards, which are then carried over to their aftermarket consumer products. Their long history, having been established in 1977, and their continuous evolution in manufacturing techniques, including the recent addition of a vertical powder coating line to handle larger product sizes, demonstrate their dedication to innovation and meeting market demands.

However, customer reviews offer important insights into the actual experience with Dee Zee products and their warranty claims, which prospective buyers should consider. Several customers have expressed dissatisfaction with product longevity and the warranty process. For instance, one customer reported issues with a fuel tank that developed holes from faulty welds and surface preparation within a couple of years, despite a "lifetime warranty," and encountered difficulties in getting a replacement. Another review highlighted severe rusting of running board brackets within 8-9 years, even outside the typical "rust belt" region, leading to significant deterioration and difficulty in removal. These experiences suggest that while Dee Zee offers a "Limited Lifetime Warranty" on certain products (like stainless steel and aluminum accessories for materials, workmanship, and design defects under normal use), and a three-year warranty on powder-coated/e-coated steel products, and one-year on finish and operational parts, the practical application and customer service experience surrounding warranty claims can be challenging. Customers must initiate warranty claims at the place of purchase and provide original sales receipts and photographs of the defect.

Regarding promotional information, the Dee Zee Corporate - Main Plant does not typically engage in direct consumer promotions or sales from its manufacturing site. Instead, their promotional efforts are aimed at their dealer network and through collaborations with the automotive brands they supply as an OEM. Consumers will find Dee Zee products through various online retailers and automotive accessory stores, where those individual retailers might offer sales or discounts on Dee Zee items. Dee Zee's own website might feature product catalogs and information about their manufacturing capabilities, but direct consumer sales promotions from the main plant are not its operational model. Any "promotions" would generally be part of a broader marketing strategy through their distribution channels, emphasizing product features and the brand's heritage rather than direct factory outlet deals.

In conclusion, Dee Zee Corporate - Main Plant in Des Moines, IA, is a significant industrial operation primarily focused on manufacturing a wide range of truck accessories for both aftermarket sales and as an OEM supplier. While it is not a direct retail auto parts store or repair shop for the general public, its output defines a major segment of the automotive accessory market. Potential customers should be aware of the variety of products offered and the company's long-standing presence and manufacturing capabilities. However, based on customer reviews, it is prudent to carefully review their detailed warranty policies and consider potential challenges in warranty claims and product longevity, especially regarding finishes and certain components, before making a purchase. Their direct contact information is (515) 265-7331, located at 1572 NE 58th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA.