OOSTBURG, WI—Automated packaging equipment manufacturer Viking Masek is significantly expanding the production capacity of its U.S. headquarters here. Adding 33,000 square feet to the facility's footprint, the expansion will double production capacity, and add at least 36 workspaces, an outdoor courtyard, an indoor commons area and a multi-purpose gathering space. The $4 million project is expected to be completed this July.

After better than expected growth and nearly doubling its workforce over the last 5 years, Viking Masek has again outgrown its space. The facility was expanded twice before in 2015 and 2016. When the expansion is complete, the company's headquarters will stand at 91,000 square feet, increasing its total footprint by 60 percent.

"We've reached a critical point where we need to maximize our space to keep exceeding our productivity goals and provide space for our growing workforce to succeed," comments Ty Weinhold, Viking Masek COO. "As we look to the future, our greatest assets are our workforce and our customers, both of which will greatly benefit from these enhancements to our facility."

The expansion will also streamline shipping and receiving and provide more space for R&D, product testing, and full packaging line development. "Due to our rapid growth in systems integration and growing demand in food and medical markets, the addition became necessary to accommodate additional team members and production space," says Rick Leonhard, Viking Masek co-owner and president. "We see no end in sight and expect continued growth in our business."

Viking Masek manufactures, sells, and services packaging machinery for food and non-food markets, including VFFS machines, multilane stick packing equipment, pouch fill and seal machines, STANDCAP pouch equipment, and carton/case packing machinery. With its solar-powered manufacturing facility located in Oostburg, WI, Viking Masek serves the packaging equipment needs of local, national, and international clients.