SOUTH DEERFIELD, MASS. — Rotational molder Hardigg Industries Inc. is spending $2.5 million to increase the size of its main facility in South Deerfield by about one-third. "Our current volume is using up all our floor space," said James Kirkendall, operations manager.
The firm expects to break ground in March on a 70,000-square-foot addition to its 200,000-square-foot facility. The project should take six months. Kirkendall declined to talk about new equipment, noting that decisions still are being made.
The new space is for anticipated growth, he said. Hardigg employs 265 — a number that should grow by 30 during the next 11/2 years, he added.
The firm had 1998 rotomolding sales of $24 million. Kirkendall said Hardigg makes shipping cases, kayaks, paramedic backboards and golf-ball washers. One of its newest products is a tack box for equestrian use.
"It's like a shipping case with a shelf, and it is used to carry all the tack equipment for [horse] shows," he said.
The largest of its 10 rotomolders is a Ferry RS-550 biaxial machine with a 209-inch diagonal swing.
Hardigg also has a 100,000-square-foot plant in Columbus, Ind., where it began rotomolding battery components last year.