DCS Talks Growth, Acquisitions, and Culture in Manufacturing Outlook Feature


Manufacturing Outlook magazine profiled Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS) in a feature interview with Seth Taylor, Executive Vice President of Operations, pictured at right.

Who Is DCS?
Founded in 1982 in Franklin, Tennessee, DCS has grown into a nationwide leader with over 300 employees across the country.
Rather than selling off-the-shelf conveyor systems, the company builds custom warehouse solutions. It offers consulting, engineering and design, project management, installation, and ongoing support. The company’s customers span markets including e-commerce, multi-channel fulfillment, and parcel handling and transportation.
A Shift Toward Strategic Growth
After years of 50%+ organic revenue growth strained internal resources, DCS shifted its expansion strategy in 2021 to focus on two areas: mergers and acquisitions, and product development. That M&A push led to the March 2023 acquisition of IMI Industrial. This expanded DCS’ service capabilities and opened the door to further vertical integration.
Investing in Software
On the product side, DCS developed DATUM, an OEM-agnostic warehouse execution system (WES). The platform prevents clients from being locked into proprietary systems. Taylor explained that DATUM was built around three principles: solving real client problems, keeping data and algorithms open, and prioritizing quality over speed.
Standing Out in a Consolidating Industry
Taylor described how heavy industry consolidation has created a “disappearance of the project middle-class,” leaving mostly large corporations and small family businesses. DCS positions itself as one of the few remaining true design-build systems integrators. The company is unbiased toward any single technology and focused on close, long-term client relationships. A dedicated supplier development team manages partner relationships for the long haul rather than short-term gain.
Culture as a Differentiator
Taylor emphasized DCS’s identity as a “culture-forward company.” As examples, he pointed to initiatives like a Leadership Conference session on extreme ownership with Echelon Front. Further, Taylor emphasized a leadership philosophy built on trust, autonomy, and employee empowerment.
Looking Ahead
According to Taylor, DCS’ priorities going forward center on three growth levers — diversification, product creation, and M&A — alongside continued investment in company culture.
Read the full feature, here: mfg-outlook.com — Designed Conveyor Systems: Supplying Superior Solutions



















