UniCarriers has expanded its Marengo operations

UniCarriers Americas (UCA) has expanded its Marengo complex with the addition of a 120,000 sqft. (1,115 sqm) facility, increasing its manufacturing space by 30% and the total campus size by 53%.

The company made the $2 million investment due to growth it has been experiencing.

"Our investment in the campus expansion positions us to support the future growth initiatives we've identified," says UniCarriers Americas president Anthony Salgado. "As UniCarriers Americas expands its product line offerings and increases its global market presence, we require additional manufacturing space to keep up with the demand."

The new facility is located directly across the street from the UniCarriers headquarters and the large site will provide for further facility expansion, as well as much-needed additional parking to support the company's growing labour force.

The first stage sees the relocation of the UCA finished goods warehouse and shipping operation. This transfer allows vehicle assembly operations to be increased in the main plant to support the growing demand UCA is currently experiencing. This year, the company purchased additional laser cutting machines and plans to relocate existing equipment, dedicating 25% of the new facility space to the laser cutting fabrication process. This 'focused factory' approach will allow UCA to continue to vertically integrate and produce quality products at competitive cost, the company claims. The additional space will allow welding operation expansion to support future product introductions.

The remaining space will be used for additional warehousing, training and testing as well as research and development. As a result of relocating its R&D, UniCarriers Americas will also have room to expand painting operations within its manufacturing facility.

"This investment was necessary to support increased demand for our products," says Dale Mark, vice president, manufacturing operations, UniCarriers Americas. "With expectations for continued sales growth, and in anticipation of new product lines, this expansion will position UniCarriers Americas to be well-prepared."

Through the addition of this new facility, UniCarriers Americas will be able to localise the manufacturing of three-wheel electric models (currently produced in Europe), along with a new light-duty walkie pallet truck, which had once been considered for production in China. Also, localisation of the company's research and development means shifting design control for many of its new product development projects, and the resources required to support these initiatives, to Marengo.