Universal AET sets sights on expansion of new Beloit Manufacturing Center

PRESS RELEASE: December 11, 2012
Courtesy of Universal Acoustics & Emission Technologies

In response to the rapidly growing demand for its products and services, Universal Acoustic & Emission Technologies will expand its new manufacturing facility in Beloit, Wis., early next year, company officials announced today.

The Stoughton, Wis.-based company, which produces custom-engineered products to control noise and emissions pollution in industrial processes, moved into the Beloit Ironworks complex just nine months ago. It currently leases 60,000 square feet and is looking to add 40,000 more square feet to keep up with product demand, said Dick Strojinc, Universal AET’s senior vice president of global operations.

“With our business outgrowing the capacity at our existing Wisconsin manufacturing facility due to changes in emission regulations, we knew we needed an additional location and an ability to lease additional floor space as our business expands,” Strojinc said. “Beloit was a logical location because of its easy access to the Interstate, and its proximity to our Stoughton headquarters and Muscoda (Wis.) manufacturing center.”

The Beloit facility, which currently employs 17 individuals, could see as many as 100 workers added in the near future depending on the rate of growth, said Strojinc.

“When the time comes to hire more workers, we will have a great need for welders, and there seem to be many people with that skill-set in the Beloit area,” he said. “We also are securing office space so we can bring some design and engineering support to Beloit as well. With these staffing and facility changes, we will be in good position to grow along with our customers and to manufacture larger-scale products.”

Universal AET also completed improvements and additions recently at its manufacturing facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The Mexico plant manufactures large inlet and exhaust systems for gas turbines. The plant expanded by 10,000 square feet; new cranes and a second paint booth were added, and the existing sandblast booth was expanded and refurbished. These improvements increased total capacity and heightened the capability to manufacture even larger products.

Universal’s Muscoda manufacturing facility employs 113 individuals. It includes 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space.

In addition to the Stoughton headquarters, Universal has offices in the UK, Singapore and India. The company employs about 400 people globally.

Universal AET was established under the name Universal Silencer in 1959. In the 1970s, it was acquired by Nelson Muffler and then was sold to Cummins Inc. in 1998. The company became independent in 2007.

About Universal Acoustic & Emission Technologies: Universal provides engineered acoustic, emission and filtration solutions for power generation, oil, gas, and industrial markets. Universal has particular expertise in air movement applications, diesel engines, and gas turbine engine systems. Even with an expansive solutions portfolio of standard products, Universal is recognized around the globe for its customized solutions for noise control, emission, and air filtration technologies. Universal is based in Stoughton, Wis., and has offices and manufacturing facilities in five countries. For more about Universal, visit universalaet.com.

Contact: Amy Mertz, Public Relations Specialist, 608.220.9815.