Diversified Tooling Innovations started operating in 1988. The company had a few machines and was first housed in a small, rented location in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. More equipment was added as the business expanded, the most of it being acquired at low cost through auctions and liquidations. These machines were reconditioned and reinstalled by skilled maintenance and repair professionals, and they then started producing high-quality parts. Additional services were provided in addition to the expansion of the machining capabilities, and personnel were added to handle the demand. Sales allowed for a larger space to be moved into after three years.

DTI rented out a portion of the structure at its previous location, 1219 Frederick St. in Racine, WI, in 1991. They utilised the entire facility within six months, making it feasible for them to buy the building.