Park Moves Ahead With Facilities

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – A year and a half ago, the staff at Park Industries took a look at the growth in the stone industry … and decided to do some growing of its own.
This February, the stone-equipment company completed a 22,000 ft² expansion of facilities, with plenty of room for expanded customer training and an ever-growing staff.
“After reviewing our machine sales and associate growth projections,” says Pat Mullins, vice president of Park’s Architectural Division, “it became obvious that we needed to expand our facilities and milling capabilities.”
Park broke ground in early May 2005, on the expansion, with 40 percent of the added space is designated for new product development and on-site customer training. The remaining space was added to accommodate a new 5-axes mill and additional office space – with the 4,100 ft² research and development facility allowing Park to expand its ability to design and test new products.
“New product introductions have contributed significantly to Park Industries’ growth,” adds Gerry Waletzko, Park Manufacturing vice president. “In fact, over 60 percent of our 2005 sales were generated by products introduced in the last five years.”
Park Industries also dedicated 4,000 ft² for its Technical Center. “It allows us to provide on-site, professional, hands-on training,” continues Mullins. “The Technical Center also allows customers to ‘test-drive’ the equipment before they decide to purchase a machine from us.”
“Our new mill will help us decrease our machining time, allowing us to manufacture machines faster for our customers,” says Gary Franz, Park operations manager. “Reducing our lead times is one of our major focuses this year. The sooner we can get machines to customers, the sooner our customers can start turning profits.”
And, the expansion included 40 new offices. Within the last three years, Park Industries nearly doubled its staff, with a current count of more than 260 associates.
“We are pleased with the expansion,” says Jack Rhode, product team manager. “The additional space and resources will enhance our ability to better serve our customers.”