RALEIGH, NC—Schmalz Inc. has begun expanding its headquarters facility here, which includes more room for the assembly and testing of the company's robotic automation and material handling products. Since its founding in 1999, Schmalz has grown rapidly. The existing building for U.S. headquarters was only completed in July 2016, but due to continued, rapid growth over the past three years, the first significant expansion is already being executed ahead of schedule.
The new construction will triple the size of the existing facility and is scheduled for completion and move-in by early December. Investments to date in the Raleigh location total well over $14 million, with more significant investments already planned in the coming years. These investments have led to a tripling of the staff and will lead up to 62 more new jobs over the coming years with average wages above the Wake County norms.
"This new setup will decisively improve the overall material flow at Schmalz Inc. from parts receipt, to manufacturing, testing, packaging and dispatch of the finished robot gripping tools and manipulator handling systems" says John Feutz, VP of strategic operations at Schmalz.
Schmalz is a global leader in robotic vacuum automation products, robotic end-of-arm vacuum gripper tools, material handling vacuum lifters and manipulators, as well as CNC vacuum clamping tools. The organization is a third-generation, privately held international company with a history dating back more than 110 years. Users include manufacturers in the logistics, glass, metal, automotive, packaging, and wood industry sectors.
"We pride ourselves on reinvesting 8 percent of annual revenues every year back into R&D, hiring and training of apprentices and co-op students and are a proud member of the NCTAP Apprenticeship Program here in Raleigh," says Gary Vickerson, VP of operations at Schmalz.
Since the 2009 recession, the company has annually grown at high double-digit rates. This growth is driven by the increased automation found in warehouse logistics and manufacturing at some of the leading U.S. manufacturers and ecommerce retailers.
