W&H Expanding Office, Warehouse in Rhode Island
Expansion said to strengthen support and foster further growth in North America, says builder of film extrusion and converting equipment.
Windmoeller & Hoelscher (W&H) broke ground on a major expansion at its North American headquarters in Lincoln, Rhode Island. A ceremony commemorating the occasion was held July 18, attended by Town of Lincoln officials, project partners, neighbors from the New England Way Industrial Park, and W&H employees.
The groundbreaking ceremony celebrated a pivotal moment for W&H, according to Andrew Wheeler, president of the machine builder’s North America operation. “Our investment in this expansion reflects our commitment to enhancing service capabilities and ensuring we meet our customers’ needs more swiftly and efficiently than ever before. By doubling our warehouse capacity and making space for our growing team, we are dedicated to strengthening our support and fostering further growth in North America.”
The expansion project is a collaborative effort with Rhode Island-based Vision 3 Architects and Vonsol Construction leading the charge, alongside a team of partners, including Insite Engineering Services, GZA Geoenvironmental Inc, Odeh Engineers, and Avid Engineers. The first phase will expand the warehouse by 12,000 square feet and the office building by 5,600 square feet, with completion anticipated within 12 months.
![W&H Expands Rhode Island Operation](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/pt/2024-pt/0924-startingup-wh1.jpg;maxWidth=385)
Andrew Wheeler, president of W&H in North America, raises a glass to commemorate the ground breaking.
Source: W&H
The second phase is the complete renovation of the existing 8,400 square feet of office space, slated to take six months. The entire project is expected to be completed by winter 2025.
In line with W&H’s commitment to sustainability, photovoltaic panels are being installed to generate nearly all the building’s electricity, including powering the HVAC system for the office space. Additionally, electric vehicle charging stations will be installed.
Wheeler said he is happy to be staying in Lincoln, where the company first established their facility in 1977. He cited Lincoln’s location as ideal for tapping talent from across Rhode Island, parts of Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Additionally, the proximity to TF Green and Logan airports makes travel convenient for the team, who frequently fly for business.
![W&H Expands North American Operation](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/pt/2024-pt/0924-startingup-wh2.jpg;maxWidth=720)
Left-right: Lincoln Fire Chief Timothy Walsh, Town Administrator Philip Gould, Vladimir Utovac (W&H), Andrew Wheeler (W&H), Kasie Fairbarn (W&H), and District 4 Council Member Pamela Azar. Source: W&H
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