National Hardwood Magazine - Christmas Buyers Guide 2014

Batey, LTD. Surviving

Batey, LTD. Surviving And Thriving Through Challenges Mt. Pleasant, IA—Batey, LTD. began their operation in 1987 with a handset Frick mill and a five-man crew. The mill was built on a 75-acre piece of property owned by the firm. Over the years they have expanded to a high efficiency sawmill and resaw operation, dry kilns, a large capacity stainless steel steamer, and export prep facility. Owned and operated by Todd Batey and Sally Johnson, Batey, LTD. has had to survive its share of challenges. When describing the market trends of the past few years, Johnson summed it up. “If it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of our employees….of being innovative enough to keep things running with duct tape….of being willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done….we simply would not be here. We are grateful to them every day.” When Johnson was asked how many people work for them, she replied “We currently have 45 people, but we don’t approach it like they work FOR us. We don’t think of it on those terms. This type of business takes a collaborative effort from everyone. We Batey, LTD. focuses experience and resources to find new markets for both their lumber, and to recycle and utilize their wood by-products. The debarker is the basis of their mulch business. value input from all levels. They know what their jobs are and they take ownership of their responsibilities. Several employees have been here for 15 years or more, and many new additions have brought a lot to the table. We are very fortunate.” Both Batey and Johnson agree that the market turn of 2008/2009 fostered innovative approaches to business. Partnering with other sawmills, concentration yards, and manufacturers to “think outside the box”, allowed them to maintain operations. Batey and Johnson joke they are just happy the lights still come on and the phone works, and they are eager to leave the dark Please turn to page 52 Batey, LTD. is branching out into other avenues, such as land clearing, debris removal, and rip/rap placement as shown along this lakeshore. 30 CHRISTMAS 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

Logs are barged on the Mississippi River. An overview of Batey, LTD., located in Mt. Pleasant, IA. A log truck pulling into the lumberyard. Logs are loaded at a job site. Among other equipment and rolling stock, Batey, LTD., utilizes a log skidder. Logs off-loading at the sawmill. The goal at Batey, LTD., is to further utilize their equipment and employees by expanding operations beyond the sawmill. CHRISTMAS 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 31