THE START OF A NEW ERA - Brady Hoes (left, with scissors) and Eric Mertens (right, with scissors), owners of Loos Machine and Automation, cut the ribbon while their employees stand in support. Loos creates machines such as those pictured behind the employees for the food processing industry in their newly constructed “Plant 2.” STAFF PHOTO/NEAL HOGDEN
The AbbyColby Crossings Chamber of Commerce, Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Loos Machine and Automation ushered in a new building at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday at Loos’s “Plant 2” in Colby. The building, which is used for machining, manufacturing, shipping and receiving and more, is at the site of the old PCA building. Loos Machine bought the PCA building in May of 2022 and by the end of that year, they had the current structure built.
Loos employees, contractors, chamber members and others attended the ribbon cutting event. Members of the CCEDC and Loos gave speeches commemorating the work that was done to get the building operational in a short time period.
Owner and CEO of Loos Machine and Automation, Eric Mertens, said the building gave the company more space and allows customers to be better served.
“Plant 2 allowed us to expand our capacity and manufacturing operations by investing in state-of-the-art equipment and technologies that improve production efficiency and enhance product quality,” Mertens said. “Fabricating, laser cutting, parts prep and forming are housed inside this location which allows us to produce and deliver products more efficiently.”
The lot that was purchased gave the company some much needed space which is now used for shipping and receiving. The expansion also allowed for equipment to be taken out of Plant 1 to make room for more production and innovation.
“With the restructuring of production flow, we expanded our machining and robotics departments in Plant 1 allowing us to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies,” Mertens said.
Colby Mayor Jim Schmidt was in attendance and shared his excitement for the economic opportunity Loos is bringing to Colby. Mertens touched on the company’s other expansions which includes the recent purchase of a building on First Street in Colby and the purchase of a plant in Bruce.
The First Street building is used as office space for the Engineering Division while the Bruce plant focuses on building equipment for the fruit and vegetable industries. During his address to attendees, Mertens pointed to a piece of equipment behind him which was going to Brazil in the coming weeks. He said the company has shipped equipment all over the U.S. and world to support the dairy industry.
The other half of the PCA lot that Loos purchased in 2021 is currently vacant but Mertens said the company is in a good spot and could use that lot for anything in needs as it continues to grow.
Original Article: Copyright© 2023 Tribune Phonograph, Edition 8/16/2023
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