Growth for manufacturers can emanate from a number of sources. An acquisition, a new contract, a product launch, or simply from continuing to make a quality product the right way. Another pathway to growth is by leveraging their expertise in capitalizing on growing demands for emerging technologies. This demand can include remote instrumentation monitoring capabilities, electric vehicle systems, lightweight components, and advanced energy production tools.
In Roswell, Georgia, Kamstrup, a global supplier of high-tech intelligent energy and water metering solutions for commercial and residential buildings, will be creating 52 new jobs at a new North American headquarters. The facility will allow the company to produce more instrumentation in serving a growing North American customer base.
Bus maker New Flyer is expanding its Anniston, Alabama campus to include a Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC) focused on advancing its electric transportation technology manufacturing lab. New Flyer is the largest bus manufacturer in North America. The VIC will include interactive exhibits designed to educate visitors on advancements in electric transportation technology.
The $25 million, 76,000 square-foot expansion should be complete by next summer. This expansion mirrors a recent announcement from Mercedes-Benz and its plans to begin production of electric vehicles at their nearby Tuscaloosa plant. A separate battery factory may also be built in support of electric vehicles.
In Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Alfa Laval is breaking ground on a new facility focused on advanced welding technology for the oil and gas industry. The company has committed $15 million to the first phase of the expansion, which will bring 100 new jobs to the area. Depending on the success of this initial expansion, phase two could encompass equivalent levels of investment and new jobs.
Finally, the Indian auto supplier Sakthi Automotive announced a $7 million expansion in Detroit that will bring 200 new jobs to the southwestern part of the city. The 60,000-square-foot expansion is expected to be complete next summer and will help to expand the company’s steering products business with U.S. and European automakers.
Sakthi’s origins in Detroit go back to 2014 when it started with 75 employees, adding another 100 a year later. In 2016, the company opened a manufacturing facility and aluminum foundry on the south side. Sakthi now has more than 600 workers in Detroit.