Erdman Automation Corp. is expanding operations with a new 50,000-square-foot facility. Officials say the expansion adds more production capabilities and automated equipment.

Erdman Automation Corp.’s new 50,000-square-foot facility

The Princeton, Minn.-based custom equipment manufacturer recently unveiled its new Building 5 production center, housing its “newest and most innovative machine lines,” say company officials. They add that the expansion includes a new reception and lobby area, along with meeting spaces.

“Automation is so critical to our customer base that expansion is not a want for us; it is a need,” says president Morgan Donohue.

Donohue explains that due to continued growth in annual sales, between 12% to 18% yearly, it was vital for Erdman to add additional space to meet demand. In fact, the new facility will increase deliverables by 30%, fulfilling the company’s needs for the next two years.

Donohue adds that Erdman’s four main products, automated equipment for FlexScreen, insulating glass, custom solutions and commercial offerings, all required additional capacity—most notably FlexScreen. Erdman partnered with FlexScreen in July 2022 to introduce a new automated line that allows window manufacturers to produce the company’s flexible screens.

Erdman Automation’s recent expansion expansion adds more production capabilities and automated equipment, supported by Team Erdman.

Erdman’s last expansion was three years ago, and Donohue says the company is already preparing for another in the near future.

“We are already planning for an expansion from nearly 240,000 square feet to 400,000,” he says. “We expect to begin the building process next year, understanding that it will take nearly a year to complete … We have averaged an expansion every 18-24 months during our 29 years of business. It only makes sense to continue this growth curve. We also have several new additions to our product offering planned for the next two to four years.”

Donohue says that 2023 is shaping to be a record-breaking year, bucking continued concerns about the economy, inflation, supply chain and talent challenges.