Schmalz Invests $7 Million in U.S. Assembly Plant
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RALEIGH, NC -  Wood industry vacuum lift automation firm Schmalz Inc. will invest $7 million in expanding its plant in Raleigh, NC. Groundbreaking for the six acre site, adjacent to a 20,000 square foot facility opened in 2009, was held June 9.

“We are very excited about this big important step for our company," said Wolfgang Schmalz, Managing Director and co-owner of German parent J. Schmalz GmbH. "This will be one of the largest company owned facilities outside of Germany.”

Schmalz Inc. has been growing steadily since it opened for business.d in Raleigh 16 years ago, doubling the number of employees in the last few years.  Dr. Volker Schmitz, President, says Schmalz Inc.  has quickly outgrown its current 20,000 Sq Ft facility, at 5200 Atlantic Avenue, which was purchased in 2009 close to the new site.  “This additional investment of about $ 7 million in Phase I will ensure that Schmalz Inc. has enough space in order to continue to grow at its current pace.  A larger Phase II expansion is not that far away.” Dr. Schmitz explains.

The new facility will provide more room for testing and assembly of automation systems, along with a dedicated customer show room, training rooms and increased office space.  “This new set up will decisively improve the overall material flow at Schmalz Inc. from parts receipt to testing to packaging to dispatch of the finished products and the new office areas will provide the employees with even more natural light.” adds Gary Vickerson, VP of Operations at Schmalz Inc.

Schmalz develops technology for industrial vacuum automation, robotic palletizing vacuum grippers, material handling vacuum lift assist devices and CNC machine vacuum clamping.  It has over 450 patents.

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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.