Danfoss Announces Major Expansion in Illinois

Danfoss Drives, Loves Park, designs and manufactures variable frequency drives (VFDs) for efficient control of AC motors used in applications that include heating, ventilation and air conditioning, water and wastewater, food and beverage, material handling, petrochemical, and a multitude of industrial applications. VFDs can have a significant impact on energy savings while simultaneously improving process control, which are key driving factors behind the global market growth.

“As both our domestic sales and export business for Danfoss VLT® drives have grown exponentially, so has our need for increased production capacity and additional office space. The expansion will allow Danfoss to accommodate the 250 additional employees we have identified will be required to support our growth while maintaining the level of service our customers have come to expect from us.” says David Holmgren, Purchasing Manager.

Danfoss Drives moved into their current state-of-the-art facility in 2001, located on 18 acres of land in Loves Park. The new building expansion will fully utilize the remainder of the 18 acres which has necessitated the purchase of an adjacent 17 acres of land to ensure the possibility of contiguous expansion beyond 2011. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held September 16, 2008, with the goal of having the additional facilities completed and fully operational by third quarter 2009.

“In addition to a significant expansion, 2008 also marks the 40 year anniversary of the first mass-produced and commercially available variable frequency drive, the VLT® 5, pioneered by Danfoss Drives. Some of those first drives are still controlling motor speed in their applications today,” says Arnaldo Ricca, President North America Danfoss Drives. “Ever since 1968, customer-driven development has assured the reliability, innovation and flexibility that makes VLT® the strongest brand in the global drives market and has made Danfoss Drives a leading provider of variable frequency drives globally.”

Danfoss has greatly expanded its North American business in the past three years with a number of acquisitions that strengthen its market presence. Danfoss now has facilities in 10 US states plus Canada and Mexico.

2008 also marks the 75 year anniversary of Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of precision mechanical and electrical components, with locations in more than 120 countries. From the beginning, Danfoss products and components have focused on providing the optimum control and highest level of efficiency to suit the application and customer requirements.