Bellevue company expanding

BELLEVUE — The American Baler Co., a leading manufacturer of balers since 1945, recently announced an ambitious expansion project at its Bellevue facility on East Center Street. The project began on Monday and should be completed by fall 2025. Coinciding with American Baler's 80th anniversary in Bellevue, the expansion will increase the manufacturing footprint by 20% through the addition of a strategic wing to the existing facility. "The expansion will not only increase the physical size of the facility but also improve American Baler's ability to serve its employees and customers with innovation, safety, quality and efficiency improvements," according to a company statement. Basically, "It will increase available capacity for fabrication, production and assembly with an eye on the reduction of equipment and parts lead times," the statement noted. The project will be carried out in three phases: • The initial phase will include site and utility preparation, construction of the new addition and installation of overhead cranes. • The other two phases will include the installation of state-of-the-art steel processing equipment along with workflow enhancements to optimize material movement throughout the plant. General manager Nathan Kuhl is looking forward to turning this expansion project from a concept into reality. "Project planning began nearly 18 months ago, and I am grateful that Avis Industrial has the confidence to continue investment in our Bellevue, Ohio, facility, operation and staff," said Kuhl, noting American Baler is a member of recycling and waste equipment division of Avis Industrial. D.J. VanDeusen, president of Avis' recycling and waste equipment division, added, "This expansion project is a testament to the accomplishments of the entire American Baler team and the demonstrated loyalty of its customers to rely on American Baler for their recycling equipment needs." An investment figure and/or project cost estimate was not provided. "As American Baler Co. steps into its 80th year, it remains as committed as ever to its mission of producing the highest quality products in its class and offering unmatched customer service," the statement read. "The expansion of the Bellevue facility is a testament to this commitment and its ongoing pledge to call Bellevue home." baler: Bio blast In short, a baler can be used for — among other purposes — compressing recyclable and waste materials, such as aluminum cans and cardboard, into small, manageable bales, or bundles, that can be shipped, stored or sent on for further processing or end up being recycled. American Baler provided some background about its work: Established in 1945, American Baler Co. is one of the oldest and most respected baler manufacturers in the world. We manufacture a complete line of balers so that we can provide solutions to customers in a wide range of industries. These products include manual-tie and auto-tie single-ram horizontal balers and two-ram auto-tie balers for both low-volume and high-production applications. American Baler Company specializes in highly efficient balers that are designed to keep energy costs and baling wire consumption to a minimum.