APPLE VALLEY, Minn. — Uponor North America announced it is expanding its manufacturing facility in Apple Valley, Minnesota, beginning late spring 2015, with completion expected by Dec. 1, 2015. The $18 million investment will be used toward renovation and creation of an additional 88,000 square feet to accommodate lean manufacturing and office space, as well as additional manufacturing equipment.
Uponor’s North American headquarters facility is also located in Apple Valley, Minnesota, and the company has a distribution center and resin-processing center located in nearby Lakeville, Minnesota. By year-end, the total Twin Cities metro area footprint will amount to 654,738 square feet on approximately 50 acres of land.
The company said the building expansion — for which it will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification — is needed to meet forecasted growth for its crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing used in plumbing, fire sprinkler, radiant heating and cooling, and hydronic piping systems applied in residential and commercial buildings.
“It's a very exciting time in the building industry, especially after the downturn we experienced in the market just a few years ago,” said Bill Gray, Uponor North America president. “We’re seeing significant growth in commercial and residential construction, and this expansion will ensure we match forecasted growth and demand for our PEX systems.”
Jyri Luomakoski, Uponor CEO and president, said, “Our North American region has consistently boosted profits and seized market share, both in the residential commercial segments. The team’s success is driven by always doing what’s best for our customers, looking for better ways to perform, innovation, hard work, and diligent execution.”
Uponor’s decision to expand again in Apple Valley was partly due to the cooperation of the state of Minnesota and the city of Apple Valley in joining together in providing an attractive incentive package. Uponor has applied for financial support from the city of Apple Valley as well as state assistance from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Minnesota Job Creation Fund and the Minnesota Investment Fund to assist the expansion.
Gray added that he is grateful to the city of Apple Valley, the state of Minnesota, the Uponor board of directors, and Uponor CEO Jyri Luomakoski for their confidence in Uponor North America. “Our success is a result of connecting and building solid relationships with all our partners: the city, the state, our employees, manufacturer representatives, wholesale distributors, builders, architects, contractors, and plumbing professionals.”
For more information, visit www.uponor-usa.com.
Publication date: 3/2/2015
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