Byron Center, Michigan, August 5, 2026.
DLN Integrated Systems, Inc. (DLN) is pleased to announce its transition to employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), effective July 1, 2026.
DLN joins the ranks of over 6,600 employee-owned companies in the United States. There are over 250 ESOP companies created each year, and 11 million active participants with over $2 trillion in total plan assets, according to the National Center for Employee Ownership.
National Council for Employee Ownership
“Advancing as a company to employee ownership marks an important milestone in DLN’s history and reflects a thoughtful, long-term strategy to preserve the culture, independence, and values that have defined our success for more than two decades,” DLN President Bob Clarkson said.
“This is a proud moment for all of us at DLN, and we look forward to continuing to serve our clients as an employee-owned company.”
The DLN Growth Story
Dave & Paul Neu, 2002
Founded in 2002 as D.L. Neu & Associates by the late David L. Neu, his son, the late Paul Neu, and long-time colleague and collaborator Phil Schaafsma, the company has grown into a leading supply chain consulting, engineering, and systems integration partner serving clients throughout North America.
After David Neu’s retirement in 2006, Schaafsma assumed full ownership of the company and led a period of significant growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the company expanded its capabilities to include consulting services, robotics and software, and enhanced life cycle services. In 2018, the company rebranded to DLN Integrated Systems, Inc. Most recently, DLN was recognized as one of West Michigan’s Best & Brightest Companies to Work For in 2026.
Co-Founder, Phil Schaafsma
For years, Schaafsma expressed a desire to preserve the unique culture and independence that helped make DLN successful.
After careful evaluation of succession options, employee ownership emerged as the best long-term path for the organization, its employees, and the clients and partners it serves.
Continuity for Clients and Partners
For clients and partners, the most important takeaway is continuity. Existing project teams, points of contact, leadership, and service commitments remain exactly the same.
The company’s leadership team continues in place and includes President Bob Clarkson; Marc Gordon, Vice President of Business Development; Matt Verbrugge, Senior Director of Technology; Kim Taylor, Senior Director of Project Management & Engineering; Ricardo Parra, Senior Director of Professional Services; and Brandon Dahn, Controller.
The company will continue operating independently and making decisions guided by the long-term interests of its clients, employees, and strategic partners.
Employee Ownership – Rooted in DLN’s Cultural Bedrocks
DLN Cooking Club
The transition to employee ownership reflects DLN’s Cultural Bedrocks – principles that include investing in people, making thoughtful decisions, prioritizing service, and acting as trusted advisors.
“This structure strengthens our ability to develop the talents of our team, grow our capabilities, and build strong partnerships,” Clarkson said. “Employee ownership further aligns our employees’ success with the success of our clients and long-term partners.”
Vision for Growth
Finally, employee ownership supports DLN’s long-term vision for growth. By creating a structure that rewards employee commitment and engagement, the company strengthens its ability to attract and retain top talent, invest in new capabilities, and build enduring partnerships for years to come.
“Strong retention and a stable, experienced team directly impact the success of our projects. While lately there have been a number of mergers and acquisitions within our industry, DLN provides a unique advantage for clients. We offer a dedicated team to provide excellent service for the duration of complex projects,” said Marc Gordon, DLN Vice President of Business Development.
The ESOP model strengthens this advantage.
As an employee-owned company, DLN remains committed to the same principles that have guided its success since its founding: delivering exceptional service, fostering collaborative relationships, and helping clients make informed decisions that improve distribution performance and drive long-term results.
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About DLN Integrated Systems, Inc.
DLN Integrated Systems, Inc. is an
employee-owned supply chain consulting, engineering and systems integration firm that helps organizations optimize distribution, warehousing, automation and material handling operations. As an independent systems integrator, DLN develops practical, data-driven solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, from operational improvements to fully automated distribution systems. Founded in 2002, DLN is guided by a culture of service, collaboration and trusted partnership, helping clients across North America improve performance and achieve long-term success.
For more information, please contact Erin Jones, Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager at e.jones@dlninc.com.
