by April Scheinoha
Reporter
Altoz Inc. broke ground Monday, May 2 for a new addition onto its Red Lake Falls facility. Estimated to cost more than $12 million, the expansion project is expected to be completed this fall.
“This building is about 75,000 square feet. It’s expandable in three directions. This is the first of a four-phase project,” said Mike Hugg, director of operations. “We hope to add about 150 jobs here, not only in the office but through all aspects of the company.”
The new addition will feature a fiber automated laser and numerous press brakes that will allow Altoz to build higher volumes of parts at increased rates. Matt Schaumburg, production manager, referred to the new addition as a game changer since it will feature an entire powder paint department comprised of an automated paint system. The new addition will also feature additional space for assembly, shipping, receiving and the warehouse as well as new offices and a new lunch room.
Besides the expansion of its facilities, Altoz is also planning to expand its line. Among its most recent offerings are the TRX, the first zero-turn mower with patent-pending track system, and the TSX, the first high-speed tracked stand-on mower.
“We are excited to announce in June of this year a multipurpose, multiseasonal line of equipment that will be another first for the outdoor industry,” said Sales and Marketing Director Karl Bjorkman. “We have aggressive plans and growth projections for the next five years. We look forward to working and growing along with everyone in the community to achieve these goals.”
Altoz is building its footprint in Red Lake Falls. “Our buildings here in Red Lake Falls have been supporting Altoz production in Greenbush for the past year,” said Schaumburg, who noted that all of the liquid painting is completed in Red Lake Falls. Red Lake Falls-based employees also weld many different Altoz weldments. The majority of Altoz sound assemblies are built in Red Lake Falls.
Chief Executive Officer Dennis Brazier said, “In the past year, we have grown the manufacturing workforce here by four times, and we’re looking forward to adding many additional jobs in all areas, including manufacturing, management and marketing.”
The expansion plans have been in the works since late summer 2021. Rep. John Burkel (R-Badger) serves the area where Altoz’s parent company, Central Boiler Companies, is located. At the groundbreaking ceremony, he mentioned the importance of Altoz’s expansion and its impact on Red Lake Falls.
Red Lake Falls Mayor Allen Bertilrud grew up a mile and a half from the Greenbush property that currently houses Central Boiler Companies. He thanked the Braziers for their work in Red Lake Falls. Bertilrud compared the job projections in Red Lake Falls to adding 125,000 people to Minneapolis/St. Paul. He thanked the Braziers for their generosity to the Red Lake Falls School District and their commitment to Red Lake Falls. Bertilrud said he looked forward to years of collaboration, growth and friendship with them.