Orthman Manufacturing confirmed Monday plans to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lexington, Nebraska. The company has agreed to develop 28 acres to the northeast of the Lexington interchange, including a new 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility.

John McCoy, president of Orthman Manufacturing

Company President John McCoy made the announcement to employees on Monday. McCoy cited agreements with the state of Nebraska and city of Lexington, along with record sales and a robust agricultural outlook, as reasons leading to the expansion plans. Ground breaking could occur yet this fall, with plans to move into the facility slated for 2012.

The company will move part of their operations to the new facility, and will continue to use the existing facility northeast of Lexington as well. Orthman also currently operates a second plant east of Lexington; it is intended that the city of Lexington will assume control of that facility as part of a development agreement with Orthman. This vacated facility will serve as a speculative industrial building asset for the city to aid future business development activities.

The State agreement, called the Nebraska Advantage Act, offers tax incentives to companies willing to expand and create new jobs. Orthman has agreed to meet "Tier 4" requirements of the Act, calling for $10 million in investment and 100 new jobs. Orthman has met the new jobs requirement, pushing them over 300 total employees, while the new facility and production technology will meet the investment requirements over time.

Founded in 1967 in Lexington, Nebraska, Orthman Manufacturing is an innovative leader in the manufacture of high quality, heavy duty agricultural equipment, conveying systems and industrial machine tools for customers around the world.