Manitowoc Foodservice Breaks Ground on New Facility

CLEVELAND -- Manitowoc Foodservice broke ground on a new 30,000-square-foot expansion project here. The work will be completed later this year and include new quality systems, computer work instructions, a lean work flow system and state-of-the-art warehouse operations, according to the company.

The new facility will produce Cleveland Steamers, Garland convection ovens, Convotherm combi ovens and Lincoln conveyor ovens. It also will oversee the marketing and distribution of Manitowoc's Merrychef speed ovens.

In addition, the building will include a commercial kitchen, which will be used for customer support, menu development and training, equipment testing and sales training.

Manitowoc hopes the expanded operation will improve the service provided to foodservice customers and channel partners in the United States and regional markets around the world. Anticipated customer benefits include improved product availability, consolidated shipments for faster speeds and lower costs, expanded customer support, and increased reinvestment in product development.

"The growth and investment taking place is great news for all of us," said Glen Tellock, chairman and CEO of Manitowoc. "I look forward to the benefits this will bring for our customers, community and employees. By working together, we are building something real -- a bright future right here in Cleveland."

The total investment in the project is estimated at more than $8 million and is expected to create 100-plus new manufacturing jobs.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Manitowoc Foodservice thanked the city of Cleveland and local organizations. "This is a great example of government, business and labor working together," said John Stevenson, vice president and general manager, ovens and advanced cooking.

Manitowoc Foodservice, a division of The Manitowoc Co. Inc., designs, manufactures and supplies food and beverage equipment for the global foodservice market. The company has operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and a portfolio of brands including Cleveland, Convotherm, Delfield, Fabristeel, Frymaster, Garland, Jackson, Kolpak, Kysor Panel Systems, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Multiplex, Merrychef, Servend and Manitowoc Beverage Systems.