Urschel breaks ground on new manufacturing facility

Urschel has broken ground on its new manufacturing facility in Chesterton, Ind., officially starting work on a project valued at more than $80 million.

“This is an exciting time in Urschel history. Construction of this new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility demonstrates our commitment to Urschel customers around the globe,” said Bob Urschel, CEO/president of Urschel Laboratories.

According to Bill Baker, director of Urschel real estate, the project will take approximately 18 months to complete and will cover 71 acres, with 160 total acres available for future growth.

The company has occupied the current location in Valparaiso, Ind.. since 1958. Urschel has experienced tremendous growth over the years of manufacturing cutting machines, and has expanded the facility over 28 times to equal its current size. The area that surrounds the current manufacturing plant has also continued to grow, leaving the facility landlocked.

“The strength of our workforce is one of our greatest assets. Although we reviewed many attractive offers nationwide, remaining in this area with the current Urschel team was a major factor in the site selection process,” said Rick Urschel, vice president of operations.

The more than 300 in-plant employees received an invitation to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony. At noon on July 11, employees were bussed from the current plant to the new site 15 minutes away in Chesterton. Following a brief lunch and words from Urschel management and local dignitaries, engraved shovels were handed out to the employees. Urschel employees gathered on a giant outlined Urschel logo on the future building location. Several aerial photographs were taken as the employees commemorated the day by being the first to delve into the construction site.

“Urschel is an exceptional company of which to be a part. Not only are we building a brand new global headquarters here in the U.S., but also our Urschel offices around the world continue to deliver record sales. This outstanding progress has led to expansion in Asia and Europe. I am also proud to announce the recent opening of our latest direct office in Madrid, Spain,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of sales.