North Toledo elevator company Wurtec ceremonially broke ground on April 14 for a expansion that will more than double the size of its current facility.
“We slowed down in 2009 like everyone, and started rebounding in 2011,” said Steve Wurth, company founder and president. “We came on strong in 2012, and last year was our best yet. This year is looking to be even better. We see a lot of growth coming down, and this expansion is happening because of it.”
The addition will provide 25,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space, and another 6,000 square feet of office space. Wurth said the motive was increased growth and a desire to relocate their Elevator Concepts division to Toledo – currently in Detroit suburb Riverview – and to have the operation under one roof. The move will transfer 13 employees to the area and likely create at least five more jobs.
“A lot of the opportunities we’re finding are international based,” Wurth said. “It’s probably our biggest growth sector. We’re just going through a really busy time here. It’s exciting for us as a small company to be able to do things like this.”
Wurth formed the company in 1985 after working as an engineer for a local elevator company. The business was forced to move to its current North Cross Industrial Park site in 1999 following Jeep’s relocation, but Wurtec subsequently expanded to meet a growing demand for elevator tools, components and communications. Its primary functions involve designing and manufacturing the tools, parts and products contractors use to install elevators, and building elevators for residential use.
The addition will increase manufacturing space for Wurtec’s custom design and build capabilities, expand distribution capabilities and make room for Elevator Concepts’ products. Office space has become a primary focus with 10 employees added in the past year.
Some of Wurtec’s clients include major industry leaders Otis Elevator Company, ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Kone and Schindler Elevator Corporation.
Officials expect the addition to be completed in late summer.
