Quaker Windows and Doors' Eldon, Mo., campus expanded its footprint recently with a large expansion that leaders say is the first of several for the site. Phase II adds about 250,000 square feet of commercial manufacturing space adjacent to the existing plant, more than doubling the 160-acre Eldon campus' footprint.
The company has nearly 500 employees in the Eldon area, and continued expansion plans could boost that to 900 in coming years. The new facility will manufacture a variety of commercial window and door products for the architectural and commercial construction markets.
Quaker CEO Kevin Blansett said the second phase would be followed by four more, with plans for a new paint facility, another glass facility and further additions expected to come in the near future. In all, he said the company had the opportunity to expand to a million square feet of space under-roof with a goal of hiring more than 900 employees in the area.
In addition to the local government, the state has also been a supporter of the business and its presence in Eldon. Michelle Hataway, deputy director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, joined the event to laud the local impact of the facility and the opportunity it presented for the adult workforce and students through a partnership with the Eldon Career Center.
"It's an amazing opportunity for the city, for individuals that are going through the career center and the individuals that are graduating, but also the people that live in the community," she said. "It's been an absolute joy and a huge, amazing opportunity to watch this Missouri-owned company grow and be so successful -- and I can't wait to see what happens in the future."
Lonna Trammell, manager of economic development for Ameren Missouri, said the collaboration required to get the facility and its expansion completed from a business and utilities perspective had been a massive undertaking and praised the dedication of all parties in making their plans a reality. She said Ameren had been able to incentivize work on the facility, a cornerstone of Ameren's business mission.
"Ameren believes that business retention and expansion really is the cornerstone of economic development," she said. "We're very proud to be able to partner with all of you."
Quaker, headquartered in Freeburg, manufactures wood, aluminum and vinyl window and door solutions for the commercial, residential and luxury markets. Commercial windows are the kind used in hotels, including the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel that was built on the site of the old St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City.