If you live in the American Southwest and need heavy equipment, chances are you’re going to Empire Southwest. As an authorized dealer in the major heavy equipment brands, Empire Southwest has over 22 locations and employs over 2,000 people.

Empire Southwest wanted a special gift for their frontline workers. “We're open to a tractor set or a set that is figure/technician to celebrate our frontline workers,” they explained. Ideally, the final set would have some playability and moving parts. With a requirement of 4,300 sets, Empire Southwest also needed someone who could not only design something custom but also bulk manufacture the sets.

“[This project] was a test of what accuracy and function is capable at scale,” says Playwell Bricks designer Jared Oswald. “The treads and front blade were the most important components to capture. Around half of the final model’s part count went to tread linkage.”

“The smallest tread piece available was stacked on each side to best display the look of the iconic, yellow Caterpillar tread,” he goes on. “The final model allows full tread motion, and the front blade actuates up and down, mimicking a real dozer as best as possible with such few bricks. It was incredibly satisfying to get these functions right. I keep one on my desk to fiddle with during meetings.”

Empire Southwest directed the Playwell graphics team to include several short, informative infographics in the Build Instructions. By putting information about the Cat D10 Dozer’s capabilities and functions right there in the building process, Empire Southwest has employed a clever and fun to be sure their staff retain this information, giving them a boost the next time a client has questions!

With this custom-designed Playwell Bricks set, Empire Southwest has a custom design coupled with the bulk manufacturing required to produce the 4,300 sets they need. These gifts help their team to feel appreciated, bonding them to the Empire Southwest brand, while also learning about one of their major products.

Turn generosity into lasting impact. For tradeshow, team, or client gifts, Playwell Bricks empowers you to brand well, build well, and gift well, crafting experiences that resonate long after the unwrapping. Contact us to book your discovery call today.