Our History
From humble beginnings to industry leadership - the DrumSil story spans over two decades of growth, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
The DrumSil Story
DrumSil began with a simple observation: industrial drums were being discarded at alarming rates while many could be safely reused or recycled. Our founder, Michael Reynolds, saw an opportunity to create value while reducing environmental impact, and in 1998, DrumSil was born.
Starting with a small team and limited resources, we built our reputation on reliability and integrity. Every drum we handled was treated with care, every customer relationship nurtured with attention. This dedication to excellence has been our north star for over 25 years.
What began as a local operation serving a handful of manufacturing plants has grown into a regional leader, serving over 500 clients across six states. Yet despite our growth, we haven't forgotten our roots. We still operate with the same commitment to quality and service that defined us from day one.
Key Moments
The defining chapters of our journey from startup to industry leader
Humble Beginnings
What started as a one-man operation has grown into Illinois's most trusted drum solutions provider. Our founder, Michael Reynolds, saw an opportunity to create value while reducing environmental impact.
Growth Through Service
Every milestone in our history was achieved through unwavering commitment to customer service. We built our reputation on reliability, integrity, and going the extra mile.
Innovation & Technology
From our first computer system in 2001 to today's advanced tracking technology, we've continuously invested in tools that help us serve customers better.
25 Years of Achievement
The numbers that tell our story of growth and success
Our Journey
Every year has brought new challenges, opportunities, and milestones. Here's how DrumSil has evolved over the past 25+ years.
The Foundation
DrumSil was founded by Michael Reynolds in a modest 5,000 sq ft warehouse in Great Lakes, Illinois. Starting with just 500 drums in inventory, a single delivery truck, and three employees, we began serving local manufacturing plants with a simple promise: reliable service and fair prices.
- First 50 customers acquired
- Established core buying/selling operations
- Built relationships with local manufacturers
First Major Contract
Secured our first major contract with a Fortune 500 chemical company, marking our entry into the industrial chemical sector. This milestone validated our commitment to quality and professionalism.
- Revenue doubled year-over-year
- Expanded fleet to 5 trucks
- Hired first dedicated sales representative
Facility Expansion
Moved to a larger 15,000 sq ft facility to accommodate growing demand. Introduced plastic drum recycling services to meet growing environmental demands from our customers.
- Tripled warehouse capacity
- Added plastic drum processing
- Implemented inventory management system
Regional Recognition
Named "Emerging Business of the Year" by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Expanded our service area to cover the entire Chicago metropolitan area.
- Served 200+ active clients
- Fleet grew to 12 vehicles
- Team expanded to 20 employees
Certification Milestone
Achieved full EPA compliance certification and became one of the first drum recyclers in Illinois to receive UN/DOT reconditioning certification. This opened doors to serving highly regulated industries.
- EPA certification achieved
- UN/DOT reconditioning certified
- Entered pharmaceutical sector
Economic Resilience
Despite the economic downturn, DrumSil maintained profitability by focusing on recycling services and helping businesses reduce costs through drum reuse programs.
- Zero layoffs during recession
- Launched cost-savings program
- Increased recycling volume 40%
Technology Integration
Implemented advanced inventory management systems and launched our first online ordering platform. Invested in barcode tracking for complete drum traceability.
- Online ordering launched
- Barcode tracking implemented
- Customer portal developed
Midwest Expansion
Expanded services to cover Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa. Established partnerships with major chemical and food processing companies across the region.
- 4-state coverage achieved
- Partner network established
- Revenue exceeded $5 million
New Headquarters
Moved to our current 45,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility at 3112 Mississippi St in Great Lakes, IL. The new facility features climate-controlled storage and advanced processing equipment.
- 45,000 sq ft facility
- Climate-controlled storage
- Modern processing equipment
ISO Certification
Achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management systems. This milestone demonstrated our commitment to consistent quality and continuous improvement.
- ISO 9001:2015 certified
- Quality management system
- Process documentation complete
Sustainability Focus
Launched our comprehensive zero-waste initiative. Achieved 95% recycling rate across all operations and introduced carbon-neutral delivery options for environmentally conscious clients.
- Zero-waste initiative
- 95% recycling rate
- Carbon-neutral delivery option
Industry Recognition
Named "Top Drum Recycler" by Illinois Environmental Council. Processed over 100,000 drums in a single year despite pandemic-related challenges.
- 100,000+ drums processed
- Environmental award received
- SmartWay partner certification
Digital Transformation
Completed major technology upgrade including new ERP system, mobile apps for drivers, and real-time tracking for all shipments. Customer satisfaction reached all-time high.
- New ERP implementation
- Mobile fleet management
- Real-time tracking system
Today
Serving over 500 active clients with a team of 50+ dedicated employees. Continue to lead the industry in sustainable drum solutions while planning for future expansion.
- 500+ active clients
- 50+ employees
- 6-state service area
Awards & Recognition
Industry recognition for our commitment to excellence and sustainability
Emerging Business of the Year
Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Excellence in Recycling
EPA Region 5
Best Places to Work
Illinois Business Journal
Environmental Leadership Award
Midwest Environmental Council
Top Drum Recycler
Illinois Environmental Council
Customer Service Excellence
Industrial Container Association
Values That Haven't Changed
While our size, technology, and capabilities have evolved dramatically over 25 years, the core values that define DrumSil remain unchanged. These principles, established on day one, continue to guide every decision we make.
- Integrity First: We do what we say we'll do, every time. No exceptions.
- Customer Focus: Our customers' success is our success. We go above and beyond.
- Environmental Responsibility: Every drum we handle is an opportunity to reduce waste.
- Team Excellence: We invest in our people and celebrate their achievements.
- Continuous Improvement: We're never satisfied with "good enough."
Looking Ahead
As we move into the future, DrumSil remains committed to innovation and sustainability. We're investing in new technologies, expanding our services, and continuously improving our environmental practices to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Our vision for the next 25 years is ambitious: to be the most trusted name in industrial drum solutions across the entire Midwest, setting the standard for quality, service, and environmental responsibility. We're exploring new markets, developing innovative recycling processes, and building partnerships that will help us achieve this goal.
The same entrepreneurial spirit that drove our founder to start DrumSil in 1998 continues to drive us today. We're excited about what the future holds and grateful to every customer, employee, and partner who has been part of our journey.
Be Part of Our Next Chapter
Whether you're a business looking for drum solutions or a professional seeking career opportunities, we invite you to be part of DrumSil's continued growth story.