Relocation will benefit equipment efficiencies, staffing, customer pricing and future expansion
R+D Custom Automation, a privately-owned U.S. provider of fully customized automation systems, has announced the relocation of their plant operations to Salem Business Park in Salem, Wisconsin.
The move, scheduled for the second quarter of 2021, consolidates R+D Custom Automation’s operations under one roof, strengthening the firm’s operational efficiencies. “R+D currently operates out of two buildings. Getting us all under one roof will significantly increase equipment, tooling and hardware efficiencies,” stated company CEO, Loren Esch.
The project represents an investment of approximately $6 million and will bring nearly 60 jobs to Kenosha County. The Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) and Kenosha County are offering support to the project through the Kenosha County High Impact Fund, an incentive tool in place to secure high quality economic development projects.
“We are excited to welcome R + D Custom Automation to the Salem Business Park,” said Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser. “Kenosha County is well positioned with the talent and community support that a company like R + D needs to be successful. R + D’s workforce includes engineers, designers, and other highly skilled technical positions. Our community assets and strategic location in the heart of the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor will help support their continued growth.”
Designed to accommodate product flow, the new 62,000+ square-foot building will feature twenty-four foot ceilings, a centrally located engineering hub, and the addition of a state-of-the art Waterjet machine.
As a result of Wisconsin’s manufacturing credit, the company’s move will generate significant tax advantages. The staging of progressive onsite builds adds labor savings to the equation. “Our new location provides us with up to 100,000 square feet for future expansion, ensuring that both our immediate and long-term needs are being met – including additional room for expanded parking, docking and shipping set-up,” added Esch.
The expanded floor space offers a variety of amenities to benefit customers, including dedicated areas for development work, added meeting rooms and engineering equipment, and optimized shipping and receiving capabilities. “One of the reasons we’re making this move is to offer R+D customers additional incentives for partnering with us,” said Esch. “All of the labor, tax and layout advantages ensure that our pricing will become even more competitive.”
Village of Salem Lakes Administrator Michael Murdock said, “Salem Lakes is excited about the fast growth at the Salem Business Park, and we warmly welcome R + D Custom Automation to our community. Thank you to KABA, Kenosha County, WEDC, Milwaukee 7, and the Village Board for all their work to make this project happen.”
“We are thrilled that R+D Custom Automation is relocating to southeastern Wisconsin,” said Jim Paetsch, vice president of the Milwaukee 7 regional economic development group. “The company is a terrific addition to our manufacturing automation cluster, which has long been a regional sweet spot. R+D designs and produces best-in-class automation systems that give its customers a competitive edge. They are a perfect fit for our engineering-centric culture.”
“We’re bullish on the Salem location and believe that the area’s growing economic development will positively impact recruiting and the quality of our hires,” concluded Esch. “We’re excited to make the move to the great state of Wisconsin and look forward to providing expanded services to both our existing customers and prospective new clients.”
R + D Custom Automation is the fourth manufacturer to relocate to the Salem Business Park since its groundbreaking in 2015. The 82-acre park in western Kenosha County is a partnership between KABA, Kenosha County, and the Village of Salem Lakes. Custom packaging manufacturer Vonco Products relocated from Lake Villa, IL to the park in 2016 and has since grown substantially. Automotive parts manufacturer Stabio North America announced earlier this year that they are relocating from Bristol, WI to a larger 110,500 SF manufacturing facility currently under construction. Advent Tool & Manufacturing, a custom manufacturer of thread and form milling products, intends to occupy 25,000 SF of manufacturing space in the park in a building that is currently under construction. They are relocating from Antioch, IL. Both buildings are projected to be completed and operational in 2021.
About R+D Custom Automation
Experts at integrating the multiple technologies required to solve automation needs, R+D works as an extension of the engineering team to bring together custom solutions that others can’t. From project conception, development and installation, to ongoing support needs, our dedicated technical experts ensure the systems we provide achieve customer goals.
For more information, visit www.rdcustomautomation.com.