Life Fitness said its Cybex International subsidiary broke ground on a 150,000-square-foot expansion to its plant in Owatonna, MN. The expansion, expected to be completed in December, is expected to create more than 100 new jobs.
Cybex Senior Director of Manufacturing Operations John Champa said the expansion would more than double the production capacity of the current 340,000-square-foot facility.
The expansion plan was first unveiled in early April, two months after Cybex was purchased by Brunswick Corporation, the parent company of Life Fitness.
Cybex, which is now incorporated into the Life Fitness portfolio, sought and received tax increment financing from the city to assist with the project as well as applying to the state for a Job Creation Fund grant.
“The expansion to the Cybex facility in Owatonna is the latest project in our endeavor to increase global product and capacity for all Life Fitness brands,” Life Fitness President Chris Clawson said in the press release. “The Owatonna facility is well positioned to support the expansion, and we’re excited to bring more space and advanced technology to enhance both our facility and the employee experience.”
New positions are expected to include welders, fabricators and assembly and powder coat painting positions. The company is also using Minnesota-based contractors and architects for the project.
The Cybex Owatonna factory currently produces more than 200 varieties of high-end commercial fitness products, including strength machines and the popular Cybex Arc Trainer.
