Wisconsin’s broad and diverse manufacturing sector is welcoming a new member thanks to Seal-Rite Door’s plan to relocate operations from Rockford, Illinois, to Beloit, Wisconsin.
Seal-Rite, a subsidiary of Palmer-Donavin Manufacturing Co., will open and operate a 105,000-square-foot site in phase two of Rock County’s 28-acre Wisconsin Stateline Industrial Park, which was developed by Hendricks Commercial Properties and constructed by Corporate Contractors Inc. The park can accommodate multiple buildings, offering more than 400,000 square feet of industrial space with easy access and visibility to Interstate 39/90.
The new $16 million facility will give Seal-Rite the opportunity to implement the latest equipment, increase efficiency, improve overall production and position itself for future growth—capabilities that are unavailable at its current manufacturing site.
Exclusive product lines to be made in Wisconsin
The state-of-the-art plant will house the rapidly growing company’s design and manufacturing operations for its high-performance residential doors, which includes the Therma-Tru line. Seal-Rite, established in 1981, is noted for its high-performance and custom door products. It was acquired in 2013 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbus, Ohio-based Palmer-Donavin Holdings Inc., an employee-owned, leading wholesale distributor of residential building materials in the Midwest that was established in 1907.
In addition to Therma-Tru, Seal-Rite’s exclusive product lines include SR Finishing System, GM Wood and Frontline, all of which are highly detailed and pre-finished by hand. Its Seal-Rite Finishing System includes 30 paint and 10 stain colors, as well as custom paint-color matching.
“We welcome Seal-Rite Door to Wisconsin and thank the company for its decision to expand its operations in our state,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “This is another example of companies from around the country—and around the world—that are choosing to locate in Wisconsin because of our strong business climate and dedicated workforce.”
Initial jobs expected to spur additional hiring
Seal-Rite has promised to bring 80 jobs to Wisconsin as part of the expansion plan, which was supported by a WEDC award of up to $250,000 in state tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of credits the company will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created in Wisconsin during that period.
In addition to those initial jobs, a WEDC economic modeling study estimates the project could indirectly generate 81 additional jobs in the region. Those 165 total new jobs are expected to generate about $1.4 million in state income tax revenue over a five-year period. Since 2016, WEDC has awarded more than $31 million in awards in Rock County, including $10.8 million to area businesses for projects expected to create nearly 1,400 jobs.
“Our new location will benefit our business and the customers we serve, as well as provide us with the opportunity to expand our pre-finished door business using the latest technology to further enhance the quality of our products,” said Ron Calhoun, president and CEO of Palmer-Donavin. “This is a significant milestone for the future of Seal-Rite, and we look forward to our success and continued growth in Beloit.”
Community leaders hail relocation plans
“The City of Beloit is delighted that Seal-Rite Door has chosen Beloit to be its new home base for manufacturing in the Stateline area,” said City Manager Lori Curtis Luther. “Seal-Rite Door is a welcome addition to Beloit’s strong industrial base, and we appreciate the company’s investment and commitment to creating jobs in our community.”
“Strategic real estate investments, coupled with public-private sector partnerships and supply chain considerations, are the foundational elements that are continuously fueling the Janesville-Beloit economy,” added James Otterstein, economic development manager with the Rock County Development Alliance.
“Seal-Rite’s decision highlights the demand for high-quality, Class A industrial buildings in the area,” noted Rob Gerbitz, president and CEO of Hendricks Commercial Properties. “We are delighted that reputable companies like Seal-Rite and Palmer-Donavin will be a part of our growing manufacturing community.”
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