The Paul Mueller Company announced that it will expand in Springfield, creating a new facility and 133 jobs.

The Springfield-based company manufactures stainless steel tanks, components and equipment.

“The new Paul Mueller Company facility is another example of the exciting growth in southwest Missouri,” Governor Mike Parson said in a press release Monday.

“Our investments in improving infrastructure and strengthening our workforce continue to produce results that make a lasting difference for the people of Missouri. The Paul Mueller Company, a world-class manufacturer founded right here in our state, is another quality employer whose success we are pleased to see in the Springfield region.”

The first phase of the expansion is a new production facility with an area of ​​9,300 square meters, of which 5,500 square meters are air-conditioned. The space is needed to increase the company’s capacity to assemble large production modules.

As part of the plan, the company will double the space available for research and development.

To celebrate the expansion, a groundbreaking ceremony took place on Monday at the corner of Phelps Street and LaFontaine Avenue.

David Moore, president and CEO of the Paul Mueller Company, said the facility is scheduled to open next year.

“It will provide a column-free, open manufacturing space where we can assemble and test larger systems for our pharmaceutical, food, beverage and chemical customers,” Moore said in the press release. “Our employees have made this possible by safely delivering value to our customers, resulting in the largest backlog and highest profitability in our history. The facility will also expand product development and training opportunities to support our growth.”

In this expansion, the company is benefiting from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain employees by giving them access to capital to create new jobs through withholdings or tax credits.

The company also receives support from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible companies with recruiting and training.

More: Ozarks Tech board selects company to build $48.5 million workforce and student success center

“We are proud to continue supporting the Paul Mueller Company as it continues its legacy of helping Missourians prosper in Springfield,” said Michelle Hataway, director of the Department of Economic Development, in the press release.

“This expansion is the latest chapter in the company’s long history of commitment to southwest Missouri and its dynamic manufacturing industry. We are grateful for Paul Mueller Company’s continued commitment to our state and thank our partners who have helped ensure the company’s continued growth.”

The company has manufacturing and sales offices in Iowa, the Netherlands and Vietnam. Paul Mueller Company employees build processing plants for dairy farms, food and beverage manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and chemical plants worldwide.

“We are very fortunate to have a global company with such a positive local impact here in Springfield. Since 1940, the Paul Mueller Company has helped make Springfield known as one of the world’s leading stainless steel manufacturers,” said Springfield Mayor Ken McClure. “This expansion will help further build on that reputation.”

This article originally appeared in the Springfield News-Leader: Paul Mueller Company to expand and create jobs with new facility in Springfield