Manufacturer setting up 50,000-SF shop in Victoria

VICTORIA – Ken Garner Manufacturing has broken ground on the 50,000-sf first phase of its plant at 203 Wayne Watkins Dr. Construction is scheduled to be completed in fall 2014, according to John Garner, project engineer.

The company’s initial investment rings in at about $10 million, according to Ken Garner Jr., company president.

Once complete, the plant will produce filled counterweights — essentially steel cans filled with heavy concrete — to properly balance Caterpillar’s cranes and excavators. The plant is designed for about 30 workers, with two shifts.

The company not only marks the first parts manufacturer ushered into Victoria because of Caterpillar, but also the first to set down roots in Lone Tree Business Park No. 2, according to Dale Fowler, president of the Victoria Economic Development Corp.

Read more at the Victoria Advocate.