The Economy

Toro to Build Factory in Eastern Europe

Feb. 10, 2011

New facility in Romania will produce micro-irrigation technologies for agricultural market.

Bloomington, Minn.-based Toro Co. said it plans to build a new manufacturing plant in Romania.

The facility will manufacture micro-irrigation products for growers of vegetables, field crops, orchards and vineyards in Eastern Europe, according to the company.

"Romania provides many advantages due to its central location, good transportation infrastructure and access to skilled manufacturing resources," said Judy Altmaier, vice president of operations at Toro. "Additionally, the new plant allows us to better support Romania's growing agricultural region."

The company expects to have the facility up and running by late summer.

Once fully operational, the 120,000-square-foot plant will employ approximately 100 people, the company said. Toro also has micro-irrigation manufacturing operations in Rome, Australia and North America.

The new facility puts Toro closer to the expanding Eastern European market, where micro-irrigation continues to earn a larger share of irrigated agriculture in the region, according to the company.

"With growing concerns around water availability and cost, our innovative drip technologies help customers worldwide precisely irrigate crops to save water while improving crop yields and quality," Altmaier said. "As demands for water increase, this expansion project represents an important strategic investment for Toro that creates a production and export hub for our products to support growth in Eastern Europe."

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.