SBA visits Easton manufacturer to celebrate its success

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A Lehigh Valley manufacturer got a visit from the U.S. Small Business Administration recently. 

SBA Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations Lisa Shimkat joined SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Jim Spencer and SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Advocate Elmo Rinaldi at D. Gillette Industrial Services in Easton.  

DGI has 15 employees and specializes in the design, fabrication, repair, and assembly of parts and equipment for the lifecycle sustainment of military customers’ assets, the federal government, and worldwide commercial and foreign military clients. 

 According to a release, the company was founded in 2002 by President and CEO Dorothea Gillette. 

In 2016 Spencer became one of the few women-owned manufacturing companies certified in the 8(a)program.  

The SBA said DGI’s expansion occurred when competitors focused on outsourcing and when women were underrepresented in the manufacturing sector. In 2017  

DGI was awarded its first 8(a) contract with the U.S. Navy. Since then, DGI has become a leading manufacturer of support equipment for agencies within the 8(a) program.  

Between 2017 and 2023, DGI’s revenues grew by over 9,200% and its profits grew by over 6,000%, the SBA said.  

During the visit,  Shimkat discussed how federal initiatives, especially fair trade, are driving new demand for the country’s small manufacturers. 

 “It’s vitally important to meet with entrepreneurs and small business owners like Dee and her team at DGI, to hear from successful small businesses about the support they need to succeed.  This ensures the SBA remains a strong bridge between Washington and Main Street — delivering meaningful support to the entrepreneurs who power America’s economy,” said Shimkat. “America’s 36 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the SBA’s field network plays a critical role in ensuring those entrepreneurs have the resources they need to start, grow, and compete.” 

 Shimkat noted that DGI survived the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The company’s dedication and commitment paid off after they secured an  SBA COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan.  

DGI also had success in obtaining two SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, to preserve and sustain DGI’s operations.  

Shimkat said Spencer’s ability to navigate adversity and thrive in challenging circumstances was demonstrated when the business secured a Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan to acquire and relocate from a 3000 square foot building to a 35,000 square foot expanded operation facility, positioning DGI for growth and success during the post-pandemic period and to meet the evolving needs of the Department of War. 

 “It’s a privilege to meet with manufacturers like Dee,” said Spencer. “We salute women entrepreneurs who take a risk in pursuit of their passions and who see setbacks as steps towards something bigger and better. SBA is proud to play a role in helping Dee and DGI positively impact the Lehigh Valley economy.”