An Aurora manufacturing plant of a German company will be getting an $82 million expansion and 150 new jobs.
Rotek Inc., which manufactures large diameter bearings for such things as radar systems, wind energy turbines, tunnel boring machines and rail vehicles, will begin construction at the end of this month with the plant expected to begin expanded production in the first quarter of 2010.
Rotek, a subsidiary of Dortmund, Germany-based Rothe Erde, announced the investment on Tuesday. Rothe Erde is part of the ThyssenKrupp Technologies Group of Dusseldorf, Germany.
The investment includes what is called a second ring mill at the Aurora facility to serve its own expanding large diameter ”slewing ring” production and help meet the growing demands in the United States for seamless rolled rings.
The manufacturing plant will increase by 116,000 square feet and add new machinery, tooling and production lines, said spokesman Matt Rhodes.
In a press release, Rotek President Leonard F. Osborne said, ”The planned expansion is an integral part of the company’s growth strategy. This significant investment represents our continued commitment to provide the highest quality products and customer service possible.”
ThyssenKrupp Rotek received funds from the State of Ohio Department of Development for job creation and training, as well as machinery and equipment purchases. In addition, the city of Aurora offered the company property tax abatement and funds for road infrastructure improvements.
In the news release, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said, ”Rotek is developing and manufacturing components for several high growth industries, including wind energy, where Ohio has become a national leader with a strong competitive advantage. We welcome Rotek’s growth and the 150 new jobs in the City of Aurora.”
The company said it will create 150 new full-time jobs within three years and retain the 215 existing full-time jobs in Aurora at the plant and local headquarters. The hiring process will begin in the fall.
