CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — Apache Inc. officially broke ground Wednesday on a 90,000 square foot expansion to their primary production facility in Cedar Rapids.
More than 150 people gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony including employees, representatives from the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance, and partners in the expansion project. Taking place on the company’s 30th anniversary as an employee-owned company, it is also a celebration of success and anticipation of the future.
As announced in December, Apache Inc. is pursuing a $7 million expansion project to accommodate significant growth seen by the company in recent years. In a 5-year timeframe Apache achieved double-digit sales increases to their core business areas, with on-going growth expected. The additional space will provide more production and warehouse space, as well as add additional jobs to the company.
After reviewing multiple proposals, Apache is working with Point Builders, the same general contractor who built the existing facility in 1996. “Developing an overall plan that effectively utilizes the estimated 200,000 square feet of floor space will be critically important,” said Kyle Gingrich, Vice President of Operations. “Consequently, we are also working with a manufacturing engineering firm to assist in creating a floor plan that maximizes productivity and work flow.”
Construction on the east side of the facility will begin once grading and excavation work has concluded. New presses and tooling are already being added to expand production capacity, with additional equipment investments targeted throughout the project. Completion is scheduled for March of 2016.
Apache Inc. is provider of fabricated belting and hose products, as well as cut and molded rubber, with locations throughout the United States. A 100 oercebt employee-owned company, Apache sells worldwide through distributors, retailers, and OEMs partnerships.
