Cybex International Inc. on July 17 announced that it has opened a new $15 million, 340,000-square-foot, eco-friendly manufacturing facility in Owatonna, Minn. A leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment for the commercial and consumer markets, CYBEX’s completion of the new facility marks a significant improvement to its U.S. operations. This facility is expected to serve projected growth and to generate significant manufacturing efficiencies over time. The Company’s new location is less than one mile from the original Owatonna facility which had been the site for manufacturing strength training equipment since 1985.
John Aglialoro, CYBEX’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, “The expansion marks a new phase of innovation and is also an example of our disciplined approach to growth. We’re investing in our employees and our processes and believe that with a sound workforce and progressive manufacturing capabilities, we will continue to grow our business and reinforce our brand with the high levels of quality control and the short lead times that are absolutely critical to our business.”
The facility, projected to enhance CYBEX’s manufacturing while also maintaining its Owatonna employee base, is 70 percent larger than the previous plant. It has 275,000 square feet of manufacturing space with expandable capabilities of up to 490,000 square feet. This includes 35,000 square feet of office space and 30,000 square feet of warehouse space. The company’s focus on manufacturing efficiencies will continue with a new $3.5 million state-of-the-art powder coat paint electrostatic system, robotic weld cells and a tube laser.
The building is designed to be environmentally sound and incorporates natural lighting and water recycling systems that provide cost savings on maintenance and efficient-energy consumption, while reducing greenhouse gases and mercury pollution. The 36-acre area surrounding the facility will be seeded for the use of wildlife and natural foliage.
“CYBEX’s new facility is the type of high-quality investment we need for the Owatonna community, Southern Minnesota and our entire state to remain competitive and growing,” Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty said. "The company’s entrepreneurship, energy and commitment have fueled the need for this new facility and it’s a great example of real economic growth, maintaining and creating good jobs, and enhancing our state’s long-term prosperity.”
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