Cybex’s Minnesota Factory Set For Expansion
Posted: June 23, 2016 in Suppliers
Cybex International
OWATONNA, MN – Life Fitness, a global leader in commercial fitness equipment, will break ground at its Cybex facility in Owatonna, Minnesota, on June 28, to make way for a 150,000-square-foot expansion. The addition comes after Cybex was acquired by Life Fitness’ parent company, Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), in January 2016.
Scheduled for completion in December 2016, the expanded facility will total 490,000 square feet. The expansion, coupled with an investment in automation and technology, will dramatically increase the facility’s overall manufacturing capacity to support the continued growth in the fitness industry.
“The expansion to the Cybex facility in Owatonna is the latest project in our endeavor to increase global product and capacity for all Life Fitness brands,” said Chris Clawson, president of Life Fitness. “The Owatonna facility is well positioned to support the expansion, and we’re excited to bring more space and advanced technology to enhance both our facility and the employee experience.”
The Cybex Owatonna facility has been a part of the community for nearly a decade; and the expansion is expected to create more than 100 job opportunities over the next year in disciplines such as welding, fabrication, powder coat painting and assembly. Additionally, the expansion project will utilize Minnesota-based contractors and architects to invest further in the state’s economy.
The City of Owatonna approved a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement to help facilitate project construction. Life Fitness has also applied for the job creation fund award from the state of Minnesota, which will allow the company to earn incentives as new jobs are created.
“We’re eager to get started on the facility’s expansion and are looking forward to growing with the community,” said John Champa, senior director of manufacturing operations at Cybex. “With the addition of tube lasers, robotic weld cells and two state-of-the-art paint lines, we’re expecting to more than double the facility’s current production capacity.”
Currently, the Cybex Owatonna factory produces more than 200 varieties of high-end commercial fitness products, including strength machines and the popular Cybex Arc Trainer.
Life Fitness also has factories in Ramsey, MN; Franklin Park, IL; Falmouth, KY; Tulsa, OK; Bristol, WI; Delavan, WI; Medway, MA and Kiskoros, Hungary. Life Fitness is headquartered in Rosemont, IL.
