U.S. Engineering Metalworks has expanded its Lawrence, Kansas, manufacturing operations with the opening of a new 110,000-square-foot production facility at Lawrence VenturePark. The $25 million investment adds manufacturing capacity for mechanical systems used on large-scale projects across the country.
U.S. Engineering Metalworks opened its first Lawrence facility in 2022. The new building extends the company’s footprint across Venture Park Drive and creates additional space for fabrication operations.
The Lawrence operation produces piping, plumbing, sheet metal and other mechanical systems for projects in sectors including data centers, health care, research facilities and commercial development.
The expansion is expected to increase the local workforce by approximately 30 positions during the first year, followed by another 20 positions within three years. The company currently employs approximately 160 people in Lawrence, including about 140 production employees and 20 support staff.
Production employees in Lawrence earn an average annual wage of more than $90,000, according to U.S. Engineering.
The facility expansion was approved through the City of Lawrence’s Catalyst Program, an economic development initiative focused on job creation and investment.
A study conducted by the City of Lawrence projects that the expansion will generate more than $52 million in net benefits over 25 years for the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, USD 497 and the state of Kansas.
The new facility increases U.S. Engineering Metalworks’ capacity to support complex building projects that require prefabricated mechanical systems. Its work serves projects nationwide, including hospitals, research facilities, data centers and major commercial developments.
The expanded Lawrence operation provides additional production space as demand for prefabricated mechanical systems continues across U.S. Engineering Metalworks’ served markets.
The facility is part of U.S. Engineering Holdings, which operates independent subsidiaries providing mechanical construction, consulting, service and fabrication solutions. The broader organization includes U.S. Engineering Construction, U.S. Engineering Innovations and U.S. Engineering Service in addition to U.S. Engineering Metalworks.
The Lawrence expansion adds manufacturing capacity while creating additional skilled-trade employment in Kansas. For general contractors, developers and project owners, expanded offsite fabrication capacity can support the production of mechanical components for complex commercial and industrial projects.
The investment also strengthens Lawrence VenturePark’s role as a location for advanced manufacturing operations and connects local fabrication work with projects across multiple construction markets.
Source: U.S. Engineering.
