Independence manufacturer expands facility

Aluminum extrusions manufacturer Pries Enterprises has begun a 100,000-square-foot expansion at its Independence facility that will take its footprint to more than 300,000 square feet.

The $40 million project will increase its capacity by 50 percent and is anticipated to be fully operational by year-end, the company said in a news release Wednesday.

“The aluminum extrusion industry continues to see strong growth in auto, building and construction and recreational products due to its advantages in terms of strength to weight and recyclability,” Matt McMahon, Pries president and owner, said in the release.

The company aims to hire 70 additional employees to fill general labor, packing, machine operator and management positions, among other positions, it said. It currently has 180 workers.

The 45-year-old manufacturing company completed a state-of-the-art anodizing line in 2019.