Growth is underway, from the Midwest to the Deep South.

Schumacher Is Adding 22,600 sq. ft. in Iowa

Schumacher Elevator Co. has grown by nearly 100 employees and more than tripled sales since consolidating six locations under one roof in Denver, Iowa, in 2000 and is now expanding by 22,600 sq. ft. to accommodate that growth, Cedar Valley Business Monthly reported. Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2019, the project includes adding 15,400 sq. ft. of manufacturing and 7,200 sq. ft. of office space, as well as remodeling existing office space. Emergent Architects handled the design, which includes updating workspace and layout for better efficiency and collaboration. The manufacturing area is growing by 30%. Production is being partially streamlined by a robotic steel plasma cutter that promises to “improve safety and reduce repetitive-motion injuries.”  An open house is planned in spring 2019.

ECS Grows Chicago-Area Global Distribution Headquarters

ECS Corp. has expanded and relocated its global distribution headquarters to 2807 South 25th Avenue in Broadview, Illinois, less than 15 mi. from Chicago. The 22,000-sq.-ft. space will house elevator and escalator parts, ECS’ will-call center, administrative staff and senior management team. The manufacturing and assembly plant continues to operate in its current location at 2741 South 21st Avenue in Broadview. Rick Milefchik, ECS president and chief operating officer, observed:

“Our new distribution headquarters allows us to grow organically and better utilize existing space. By separating our two operations, we are able to fine tune our distribution strategy to meet the just-in-time requirements of the industry.” 

Mowrey Expands Training Facility

Mowrey Elevator Co. has expanded its Technical Training and Support Center (TTSC) at the company’s headquarters in Marianna, Florida. The 1,600-sq.-ft. addition increases the TTSC’s total floor space to 9,800 sq. ft., which the company said enhances its ongoing training program. The facility contains five working elevators, multiple test stands and a large multimedia conference room, as well as several offices for staff. The TTSC is part of Mowrey’s comprehensive manufacturing facility, which already covers more than 8 acres of manufacturing space.

The TTSC provides training, technical support and continuing education to Mowrey’s workforce of more than 280 employees. Mowrey, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, noted that its “success is largely due to the quality and training of our staff.” In addition, the TTSC provides training and support for Mowrey’s partners and distributors. The facility has hosted meetings for various local, state and national code authorities, as well as training for firefighters and other civic organizations. The TTSC staff is led by Tony Glover, a long-term employee who has worked in every aspect of the trade and is Mowrey’s “in-house expert on control systems, troubleshooting and matters concerning code compliance.”