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JUNE 7, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Yankton, SD)
Aggregate equipment manufacturer KPI-JCI is pleased to announce the completion of their 60,000 square-foot plant expansion project. Designed to allow a more efficient, linear production flow, raw steel can now enter the plant and a finished product can exit in a straight-line manufacturing process. This new manufacturing line will be responsible for producing the company’s track-mounted units, as market demand for those products continues to increase at a rapid pace. The result has increased plant efficiency, decreased production time and improved the overall competitiveness of the company.
This build-on-demand facility will allow more orders to be fulfilled in less time. Over the past 16 months, KPI has continued to surpass shipping records, recording 8 of their 10 best months in 2006 and thus far in 2007. Fully dedicated to remaining a true domestic manufacturer with minimal outsourcing, KPI has embraced the Lean Manufacturing philosophy, and have identified opportunities to reduce waste and eliminate non-value manufacturing activities. By continuing to invest in processes like these that ensure competitiveness in the United States, KPI is well-positioned to sustain a leadership role in the industry.
As the company continues to grow, the next phase of investment in the Yankton, South Dakota facility is planned to commence this quarter. KPI is expanding the office facility to provide more space for the growing workforce, and to create a more pleasing and productive working environment. In 2004, KPI added 130 new hires; in 2005, another 149 joined the team; 133 were added last year and almost 100 new people have come on board so far in 2007. Expected to be completed by the end of the year, this newly expanded office facility, together with the new plant expansion, will ensure the company can easily accommodate growing global demand.
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Computer rendering of new office complex |
Aerial view of KPI-JCI's shop expansion. | |
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