Horizon grows steadily, adding fourth rotomolding machine

There's a new kid on the block in Wisconsin's rotational molding community.

Horizon Manufacturing Group LLC is ramping up production in Lake Mills, Wis., as it approaches its third year in operation.

“In 2011 we were looking for an opportunity,” said Keith Krausse in a phone interview. “We started with a small facility and two used rotomolding machines which went into production in April 2012.”

Since its inception Horizon has spent about $2 million in buildings and another $1 million on equipment. Recent investments included tripling of floor space to 45,000 square feet with the purchase of an adjacent building and the addition of a fourth rotomolder.

Horizon is owned by the Krausse family, many of whom had work experience in rotomolding so it was easy to choose which business the family would start up. Keith Krausse is general manager and his father, Ed Krausse, a 35-year veteran in the industry, is president. Employment in the company has grown to 30.

Keith Krausse said Horizon's rotomolders go up to a 105-inch machine swing diameter. The firm processes common thermoplastics as well as urethanes for markets as diverse as material handling, medical, construction, consumer, recreation, transport and storage tanks. The company is now running at about 70 percent of capacity on three shifts.

Next on Horizon's plate is addition of CNC machining and expansion of finishing and assembly capabilities. Its current secondary services include foam filling, metal fabrication for mold building and other products, part design and prototyping. Keith Krausse said as the company grows it likely will need 10 to 15 more employees.

Some of the Krausses obtained rotomolding experience while working with Seljan Co. Inc., also based in Lake Mills.