Anticipating increased global demand and pushing into U.S. powersports dealer channels, Bobcat has made a significant investment into its Gwinner, North Dakota, manufacturing facility. A global leader in the compact equipment industry, Bobcat has completed a $9.3 million investment in punch press automation. The new press line is expected to more than double production capabilities, reduce energy consumption, lower noise levels and improve complex forming for sheet metal parts, all of which will help meet the increasing demand for Bobcat equipment. The company also invested an additional $1.2 million for entrance and building upgrades at the Gwinner location.
"As the home of our original manufacturing facility in North America, we are excited to invest in the facility and add this new automation technology to the Gwinner plant,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Bobcat Company North America. “This investment will provide us with new capabilities and efficiencies in our metal stamping operations, and it also aligns with our commitment to innovation, sustainability and continued investments in our manufacturing footprint.”
“Bobcat is one of the first companies in North America to invest in the future by implementing this automated solution using our new press technology,” said Dr. Christian Koroschetz, chief sales officer of AP&T Group which supplied the punch press technology. “This investment also supports Bobcat’s interest in pursuing sustainable, energy-efficient manufacturing solutions.”
The Gwinner manufacturing complex serves as the very first Bobcat production facility, which was established in 1947. Today, the facility covers 780,000 square feet, employs approximately 1,500 employees, and produces Bobcat loaders and utility work machines. The operation continues to grow with about 60 open positions in general production, including assembly, welding, material handling, fabrication, paint, maintenance and machining.
“This investment demonstrates Bobcat’s commitment to our manufacturing footprint in Gwinner and supports our next generation manufacturing capabilities for North America,” said Jim Flynn, vice president of operations at Bobcat Company. “It is another step for us when it comes to automation, robotics, new technologies and advanced data analytics."