Thule Group invests $7M, opens new cargo box facility in Illinois, USA

Seymour, Conn., May 2, 2016 – Thule Group announces the opening of their new cargo box production facility in Forest Park, Ill., USA. By investing $7 million in the project, the new 150,000 sq. ft. building has significantly increased production capacity, increased efficiency of the flow of materials, and improved systems to reduce environmental impact. This new facility allows for an even better positioning among Thule Group’s competitors in this category, as retailers will benefit from faster production and the increased capacity for upcoming product launches.

At the site, the Thule Group team is able to maintain a lean and efficient flow of materials from forming, through assembly, and directly into the distribution warehouse increasing the company’s flexibility and ability turn around orders in 1 day. “We are extremely excited to begin producing Thule products in a more streamlined layout and efficient space,” said Director of Operations, Robert Ward. While this new facility means greater production rate for not only the existing line of cargo boxes, the implementation has already begun for several new lines of cargo box models launching over the coming years. With added features, new design cues, and improved user interface with the upcoming lines, the facility has already undergone the updates to support this manufacturing and assembly process.

Setup just 13 miles from the old Thule Group cargo box production facility where production has been in place for 19 years, in Franklin Park, Ill, the new Forest Park facility produces cargo boxes for all of North America and parts of South America with an employee base 95 employees. By consolidating the old facility from three separate buildings to just one at the new facility, there are now considerable energy savings. With a focus on sustainability, the new site includes a closed water loop system that will reduce environmental impact, and soon to be installed LED fixtures that will also help reduce energy costs and greenhouse gases significantly.

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For more information about Thule:
Chris Ritchie, PR & Communications Manager
E-mail: Chris.Ritchie@thule.com
Phone: +617-435-2014

For more information on Thule products, visit: www.thule.com

About Thule
The Thule brand was established in 1942. Under the motto Bring your life, Thule globally offers a wide range of premium products for active people that allow them to bring what they care most for – safely, easily and in style. Thule offers roof racks, bike-, water- and winter sport carriers, roof boxes, computer-, and camera bags, sports bags and backpacks and kid-related products like baby joggers, child bike seats and bike trailers. The products are sold in more than 140 countries worldwide.
Thule is the largest brand in Thule Group.
For more information, please visit www.thule.com