Erdman Automation Expansion Adds to Production Capabilities

The Princeton, Minn.-based custom equipment manufacturer recently unveiled its new Building 5 production center, housing its newest and most innovative machine lines. Photo courtesy of Erdman Automation.

Erdman Automation Corp. is expanding operations with a new 50,000-square-foot facility in Minnesota. Company officials say the expansion adds more production capabilities and automated equipment.

The Princeton, Minn.-based custom equipment manufacturer recently unveiled its new Building 5 production center, housing its “newest and most innovative machine lines,” say officials. They add that the expansion includes a new reception and lobby area and meeting spaces.

“Automation is so critical to our customer base that expansion is not a want for us; it is a need,” says president Morgan Donohue. “We are focused on helping our customers be more productive with less floor space, personnel and cost in every area possible.”

The Erdman Automation team poses for a group photo in the company’s new facility in Princeton, Minn. Photo courtesy of Erdman Automation.

Donohue explains that due to continued growth in annual sales, between 12% to 18% yearly, it was vital for Erdman to add additional space to meet demand. The new facility will increase deliverables by 30%, fulfilling the company’s needs for the next two years.

Donohue adds that Erdman’s four main products, FlexScreen, insulating glass, custom solutions and commercial offerings, all required added capacity needs, especially its newest segment, FlexScreen. Erdman began collaborating with FlexScreen in July 2022, which resulted in a new automated line that allows window manufacturers to produce the flexible screens for less than they can make standard aluminum window screens.

Erdman’s last expansion was three years ago, and Donohue says the company is already preparing for another expansion in the near future.

“We are already planning for an expansion from nearly 240,000 square feet to 400,000,” he says. “We expect to begin the building process next year, understanding that it will take nearly a year to complete the building. We have averaged an expansion every 18-24 months during our 29 years of business, it only makes sense to continue this growth curve. We also have several new additions to our product offering planned for the next two to four years.”

Donohue adds that 2023 is shaping to be a record-breaking year, bucking continued concerns about the economy, inflation, supply chain and talent challenges.