MILFORD, Iowa (KTIV/KUOO) -
What was an empty factory will soon be an expansion of Polaris Industries.
Polaris officials announced they've agreed to lease the former Klaussner Home Furnishings space in Milford, Iowa for three years. It's a big building, with more than 300,000 square feet. The question is, what will go inside?
Polaris already produces their GEM line of electric vehicles in an adjacent building. They also make ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles at plants like the one in Spirit Lake. Company officials can't say what they'll be making at the new site, other than it will involve assembly, welding, and warehousing.
"I think we'll share more on what's going on in Milford as we get into the spring of next year. There are a number of upgrades we have to do to get into the building. Install some infrastructure, that sort of thing," said Brian Hines, manager of the Polaris plant in Spirit Lake.
Hines says we'll have to wait to find out if any new jobs will be created.
Still, these few details on the expansion have economic development specialists very excited. Kathy Evert, President and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, says she's glad the building is going to Polaris.
"It's even better for the region to have that known company vs. someone new coming in that you really don't have any experience with," said Evert.
Polaris officials couldn't say how much they'll be investing in the expansion. They say they'll be getting ready for production there over the next several months.
Polaris recently acquired Indian Motorcycles and announced an 80,000 square foot expansion of its plant in Spirit Lake. It's tentatively scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2014, and will create 80 or so new jobs.
Klaussner Home Furnishings building in Milford will be the site of Polaris expansion project.
