The Economy

National Presto Industries Expanding Facility in Wisconsin

March 18, 2011

Manufacturer hopes to alleviate 'capacity constraints' in absorbent-products business.

National Presto Industries Inc., a Eau Claire, Wis.-based manufacturer of munitions, small household appliances and adult-incontinence products, is expanding its Eau Claire operations.

The company is adding 66,000 square feet of space to its 454,000-square foot Eau Claire facility to increase production capacity in its absorbent-products division, according to its annual 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

"The [absorbent-products] segment, which enjoyed its first truly profitable year in 2009, has been experiencing capacity constraints and has received board authorization for a $30 million expansion," the company said in its annual SEC filing.

The expansion includes construction of a warehouse addition and installation of an automated handling system and other equipment, according to the company.

National Presto expects the expansion to be complete by the second quarter.

In 2007, National Presto consolidated its adult-incontinence manufacturing operations from its Marietta, Ga., facility to its Eau Claire campus.

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.