Pries Enterprises is continuing to grow through the expansion of its aluminum extrusion operations in Buchanan County, Iowa. The expansion includes the installation of the company’s largest extrusion press to date, increasing capacity by 50%.
“The aluminum extrusion industry continues to see strong growth in auto, building and construction and recreational products due to its advantages in terms of strength-to-weight and recyclability,” said Matt Mc Mahon, president and owner of Pries. “Our recent expansions show our continued commitment to our customers, community and the aluminum extrusion industry.”
Founded 1976, Pries Enterprises started with a 4 inch press, which was later retired. Since its launch, the company has expanded its operations and capabilities to include a total of three presses (7, 8, and 9 inch) along with CNC capabilities. In the past three years alone, Pries has invested $40 Million and doubled their footprint to over 300,000 sq ft. This includes the addition of an anodizing operation in 2019.
The new 100,000 sq ft expansion project will include a complete extrusion line with a 44 MN, 10 inch press from Cometal Engineering. The press features an advanced energy saving system to improve efficiency during extrusion. In addition, the line will be fully automated with Cometal’s “big baskets” design, which includes an automatic stacker and destacker system along with an innovative multi chamber aging oven.
In order to support the expansion project, Pries will be hiring up to 70 additional employees. These positions range from management and leadership positions to skilled and general labor positions, including CNC operators, maintenance technicians, machine operators, and packers. Currently, Pries has 180 employees with at least 40% of those employees being women.
Lisa Kremer, executive director of the Buchanan County Economic Development (BCEDC) expressed support for the project. “BCEDC is thrilled to see this expansion of Pries Enterpises in Buchanan County and their continued commitment to the community,” she said. “The out of the box thinking of McMahon and the Pries staff is evident in their unprecedented growth. Buchanan County’s Industries have been resilient in the face of COVID and, like Pries, are not only surviving, they are thriving.”
The new extrusion line is expected to be fully operational by Decemeber 31, 2021.