Double HH Manufacturing Expansion

By 7017444915 July 22, 2025
At Hope Haven, we believe in the profound power of transformation. Every individual carries the potential for growth when given the right support and opportunities. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of this truth: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ Josh Canny’s story is a powerful testament to this belief. His journey of growth and resilience exemplifies how faith and support can lead to extraordinary change. Josh, born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, found his home at Hope Haven at the age of 18. Now 35, his journey illustrates the power of compassion, opportunity, and community. Josh began in Hope Haven’s Parkview workshop, where he struggled to find fulfillment. However, everything changed with the introduction of the My Choice Employment program, offering Josh the chance to explore community employment. He took this opportunity and thrived. Today, Josh works nearly 40 hours a week at Double HH Manufacturing, contributing across multiple departments. From running machines to packaging, Josh’s versatility and uplifting attitude have become invaluable to his team. Austin Vande Vegte, Operations Manager at Double HH, shares, “Josh’s contributions have had a positive impact on our team. His willingness to learn and help across the plant ensures we deliver quality to our customers on time.” Josh’s journey to independence hasn’t been without challenges. Losing his mother at 13 and experiencing an unstable upbringing left him with little structure or support. For a time, he lived with relatives who didn’t encourage his growth. But at Hope Haven, Josh found stability, relationships built on trust, and the structure he needed to thrive. Over the years, Josh has grown immensely—both at work and in life. He now lives independently in Sioux Center, enjoys cooking, video games, and going out to eat or to the movies with his friends. He has transformed into a kind, respectful person; taking pride in his work ethic and relationships. Amanda, Josh’s longtime Double HH Job Coach, reflects, “Josh has grown so much. Watching him mature and succeed has been like seeing family flourish. I am so proud of the person Josh has become.” Josh’s journey from instability to independence is a powerful example of how lives can be transformed through faith, compassion, and community. At Hope Haven, we know that every individual we serve has their own unique story and potential—just like Josh. Our dedicated staff helps individuals realize their potential, providing the support and encouragement they need to thrive. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting individuals in difficult circumstances. With your help, more people like Josh can receive the guidance, care, and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, equip individuals with necessary resources, and foster environments where they can truly flourish. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they call home. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.
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Double HH Manufacturing, a division of Hope Haven, Inc., is a couple of months away from completing a 35,000-square-foot addition that will allow for more warehouse and manufacturing space. The decision to expand came on the heels of the increase in the company’s product demand and the results of a market survey/research performed in 2020 by CIRAS, Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Science.

The additional manufacturing space will allow for expanded use of robotics, cobots, and state-of-the-art order picking/packing operations. The expanded warehouse will provide space to store more products from Double HH’s diversified product line. Additional restrooms and shipping/receiving docks are also included in the project. Double HH Manufacturing will span 78,000 square feet upon the expansion’s completion.

Double HH Manufacturing evolved from a work training facility established in 1970 to employ people with disabilities to the business is conducts today. The workshop was first housed in the basement of Hope Haven’s main building at 1800 19th Street. Later an addition on the north side of the campus was completed.

About the same time, a local business gave the work training facility a couple of machines and a basic hitch pin design. The hitch pin was initially sold to local farmers, who began offering suggestions regarding the product’s design. Heeding those suggestions, the work center’s leadership and employees developed a uniquely designed hitch pin with a wide grip handle, heavy collar, and plastisol coating. The Double HH Hitch Pin design has become one of the most widely imitated worldwide.

In 1998, the work training center’s operations were moved to a spec building at 207 Westview Drive. Double HH Manufacturing was officially named and established as a division of Hope Haven, Inc. The change in name was initiated to provide an improved market position and to more accurately reflect its growing capabilities.

“We recognized opportunities to expand not only in the hitchpin production, but also in the other machining services Double HH could offer to customers.” said

Loy Van’t Hul, Double HH’s Chief Manufacturing Officer. “The move increased manufacturing and warehouse space, and we wanted to take advantage of those opportunities.”

Along with the hitch pin, Double HH Manufacturing has expanded its product line to include other types of pins, non-threaded fasteners, and tractor 3-point linkage parts.

The company also provides machining services and specialized components for a wide range of industries, from components used in heavy-duty truck industry, automotive/recreational vehicles, agricultural equipment, fitness equipment, railroad locomotives, oil drilling platforms, and military vehicles.

The company has remained under the auspice of Hope Haven, Inc. and an integral part of its mission. Its employee base consists of people with disabilities and people without disabilities. Today, the company employs 60 people.

“Over the last 50-plus years, Hope Haven has not waivered from the purpose of employing and providing work training for people with disabilities,” said Van’t Hul. “But as with any company, you have to grow to be sure those opportunities continue to exist. Along with that purpose, good stewardship must be incorporated so the operation may remain viable.”

Van’t Hul is grateful for so many who are and have remained committed to the mission of Hope Haven.

“To the many people that have been a part of Hope Haven now and over those years, we would like to thank you for the work, vision, and support that makes Hope Haven and Double HH what it is today,” he said.

Article written by Kelly Vander Pol, staff editor at the Rock Valley Bee. 

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