Horizon Manufacturing Group LLC, a rotational molder in Lake Mills, Wis., plans to expand in 2024 up to 150,000 square feet to meet increasing customer demand.
The expansion is in the design phase right now; the final decision on the plans will be made the first week of September. The expansion will be across two properties.
During the last two years, Horizon has added rotomolding machines, bringing its total up to 14. The company has begun to focus more on larger products, which has contributed to the need for more space for operations and warehousing.
"We're becoming a bigger player in the fuel [tank] manufacturing space," said Keith Krausse, president and CEO.
Horizon will be adding two more rotomolding machines in the next 36 months along with the expansion. The size of these machines has yet to be determined.
Horizon is certified for fuel tank manufacturing in the outdoor power space and is going through testing for marine fuel certification. Officials anticipate being certified by Nov. 1 for Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board marine fuel tank manufacturing.
With the anticipated new certification, Horizon expects an increase in demand and an expansion of customer base over the next five years.
"There's been growth with our existing customers, and we've added several new customers over the last 10-12 months that are filling our manufacturing capacity," Krausse said. "Being able to meet those customer needs ... is what's driving the additional square footage."
To gain certification, Horizon is going through a 12- to 20-week process in which sample tanks are tested for fuel permeation.
Horizon ranks No. 28 in Plastics News' North America ranking for rotational molders with $20.6 million in sales.