Uponor will add 17,500 sq. ft. to its North America’s headquarters in Apple Valley, Minn. Photo credit: Uponor

In May, Uponor North America will break ground at its Apple Valley, Minn.-based headquarters facility (pictured) to add 17,500 sq. ft. of manufacturing space to help meet forecasted growth for PEX tubing for plumbing, fire sprinkler and radiant heating and cooling systems. This will be the fifth expansion for the 1990-built facility, bringing the total space to 230,000 sq. ft., which houses the North American corporate offices, manufacturing and Uponor Academy.

“We are projecting substantial growth for our PEX product in the commercial and residential markets for plumbing, fire sprinkler and radiant floor heating and cooling systems,” said Uponor North America President Bill Gray. “This expansion will allow us to continue our growth in the PEX marketplace and ensure we can meet current and future customer demand.”

Operations Director Rusty Callier added: “We are a 24/7 operation, so we’re making PEX tubing every minute of every day. We want to make sure we have sufficient space to manufacture the tubing, as well as provide a positive and productive environment for the employees who are making the tubing.”

The company also is expanding its workforce. On April 18, the facility hosted an onsite job fair which brought in more than 60 candidates looking for manufacturing and maintenance positions. Additionally, the company was awarded the 2013 Manufacturer of the Year award from the Manufacturers Alliance, recognizing the company’s lean manufacturing operations and processes.

 The expansion — which includes 3,000 sq. ft. of employee service areas such as an expanded lunch room, locker rooms, restrooms and outdoor seating — is set to be complete by October 2013, with a planned occupancy date of late December.