Company’s third major project in Waupaca since 2006
By Angie Landsverk
Gusmer Enterprises Inc. is preparing for its third major expansion project in Waupaca in just over 10 years.
“We’re looking to expand about 35,000 square feet,” said Chris Gusmer, the company’s executive vice president.
The company is located at 1401 Ware St. and plans to expand to the east.
In order to accomplish that, the city needs to vacate a portion of Shambeau Road, said Justin Berrens, the city’s director of public works.
A public hearing on the proposed vacation is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the council chambers.
The common council set the date when it met on July 16.
Ald. Alan Kjelland abstained from the vote.
Gusmer is his son-in-law, and Kjelland’s daughter Pam is also part of the company.
The expansion plan was presented to the city’s Plan Commission earlier this month.
During that meeting, Berrens explained that Shambeau Road and the city’s water main need to be realigned to accommodate Gusmer’s new building.
He told the council Gusmer is paying the cost of rerouting the road and water main.
The city has a signed agreement with the company, Berrens said.
“It’s almost a one for one land swap,” he said.
The company owns property to the east.
It is giving the city about 1.2 acres, with the city giving up about .6 an acre, Gusmer said.
He told the Plan Commission the area is one of many the company looked at.
It was the most cost effective option.
History of growth
Gusmer said they have been fortunate to be experiencing great growth.
The latest expansion is to include warehouse space, employee facilities and additional work space, he said.
“We appreciate your assistance in helping with the growth,” he told the council.
Gusmer noted it is the company’s third major project since 2006.
Major projects took place there in 2006 and 2007.
In 2015, the company broke ground an a 42,000-square-foot addition to house manufacturing, lab, office and warehouse space.
It also added a 7,000-square foot building in 2012.
Gusmer said the growth has required additional production space, new equipment and more employees.
In 2013, just under 100 people were employed there.
The number of employees increased to 125 in 2015 and is now at 170, he said.
This next expansion project may support another 20 to 30 positions in Waupaca, Gusmer said.
He said the company wants the new space up and running by the second quarter of 2020.
Gusmer described it as an aggressive timeline.