SIDNEY — A vision for the expansion and renovation of Emerson’s Sidney facility was shared during a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning. The company is investing $100 million in the project.
The site of the ceremony was held on the parking lot at the front of the building located near Interstate 75. The first phase of the project will including building a two-story office addition to the current building. The parking lot will soon become the home of the new offices.
“We’re standing on part of the building expansion,” said Brent Schroeder, group president of heating and air condition for Emerson’s commercial and residential solutions platform. “John Rhodes (president and general manager of refrigeration), your new office will be right here. You’re going to have a nice view of the pond.
“This will be the most visible part of the project,” said Schroeder.
The project will also include the renovation and expansion of engineering laboratories at the existing 1 million-square-foot facility.
“We will be developing the next generation of projects,” said Schroeder. “We will be testing new refrigeration units.”
The changes to the current facility are expected to take three to four years to complete.
“We would not be here without Bob Sharp’s leadership and his vision,” said Schroeder, of the company’s executive president. “We had been talking about new offices, remodeling and new labs for years.
“When Bob joined us, he challenged us to think bigger … to go broader. It’s with his leadership that we’re where we are today.”
Sharp, said Schroeder, had to go to company headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, and ask them to spend $100 million in Sidney, Ohio.
When he first visited the Sidney facility, Sharp said he saw a plant that was substandard and needed extensive improvements. Sidney, he said, is a critical global site for the company’s continued growth.
“Emerson has a long impressive history in Sidney,” said Sharp. “This is a milestone (groundbreaking) in its history.”
Sharp said there are few of the company’s facilities that are as large as the one located in Sidney, Ohio. The employees who work in Sidney are some of the most dedicated workers in the company, he said.
“We rely on a strong partnership with the leaders in the community,” said Sharp citing the company has been located in Sidney for 80 years.
“That’s eight decades of leading innovations with worldwide results,” said Sharp.
The roots of the local plant began in 1921 with the formation of Copeland in Detroit, Michigan, by founder Edmund Copeland. The company created refrigerator compressors. In 1937, the company relocated to Sidney, Ohio.
“Copeland compressors set the standard,” said Sharp.
Emerson purchased Copeland in October 1986.
“This location will be transformed into a workplace of the future,” said Sharp. “I’m looking forward to how this plays out.”
Sharp said not only is this an important investment in the Sidney facility, but it comes after the Establishment of the Helix Innovation Center on the University of Dayton. The center is an industry-first effort funded by Emerson to spur research, collaboration and education across the heating and cooling manufacturing industries (also known as the HVACR industry).
“Our employees are why we remain a leader in the industry,” said Sharp, as the Emerson employees gathered outside for the ceremony. “I’m also excited about what’s going to happen in the footprint of what already exists (in current facility). This is one of the largest renovation projects Emerson’s ever done.”
The groundbreaking ceremony brought back family memories for Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst. The land where Emerson is located used to be owned by Barhorst’s grandfather. The mayor’s father, uncles and aunt were all born on the farm.
“I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be standing here today – a participant in what is not only a historic event for Sidney and one that represents a visionary investment in our community – but one that will transform Emerson’s presence in this community and well beyond,” said Barhorst.
“Having grown up on a farm in Shelby County, the land has always held a special significance for me – this piece of land in particular. Not unlike all land in this area, Shelby County’s first human inhabitants hunted here – the approximate 72 acres on which Emerson is currently located multiplied twenty times over sustaining just one Native American family from the Adena or Hopewell culture,” he continued.
“After my grandfather returned to the area having served in World War I, he lived here, farming this land. It was here that my father, his three brothers and his sister were born. In the early 1920’s and 30’s, the land on which Emerson is located today sustained just that one family,” said Barhorst.
The company, said Barhorst, provides a livelihood for the 1,700 people employed at Emerson but also the thousands of others who have worked here in the past as well as countless others in support roles around the world.
“Imagine life if we were still keeping our food cold by using a block of ice and on hot, humid nights, our bedrooms cool with a fan – I don’t know about you, but after less than a handful of days camping out, I’m more than ready to quit worrying about swarming insects and whether the ice has melted in the cooler and return to the air conditioned comfort of my home,” said Barhorst.
Emerson, said Barhorst, has been a good partner with the city of Sidney and its residents.
“Emerson doesn’t just support good causes, they promote good causes – arts and entertainment – education – recreation – medicine – the essential ingredients of a good community – Emerson is always there – providing leadership and direction – providing volunteers and assistance – making a difference,” said Barhorst.
During the recession, said Barhorst, Emerson stepped forward and replaced play equipment at five city parks. They have also played a vital role in the renovation of the Historic Sidney Theatre.
“Today’s ground breaking ceremony is a tremendous way for Emerson to prepare to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Edmund Copeland’s invention and the 80th anniversary of the Copeland brand’s presence in Sidney. I very much look forward to returning when construction is complete for ribbon cutting ceremonies as together, we continue to build on our eight decade-long relationship,” said Barhorst.
Two community leaders voiced their appreciation for all Emerson has done for the community and look forward to the expansion and renovation of the plant.
“Having been involved with this project over the last several months, it is with great excitement and anticipation that the ground breaking of Emerson’s new addition and facility upgrade becomes a reality,” said Mike Dodds, Sidney-Shelby Economic Partnership director. “The Emerson project is one of the largest projects to take place in the Dayton region. As Emerson is the fourth largest manufacturing employer in the Dayton region, the city of Sidney and Shelby County are very fortunate to have this company and this investment in our community. The city of Sidney, Dayton Development Coalition, JobsOhio and the Sidney-Shelby Economic Partnership worked closely with Emerson to make certain this project moved forward in Sidney.”
Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jeff Raible echoed Dodds’ feelings.
“On behalf of the 500-plus members of the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, we’re thrilled with the announcement today by Emerson that they plan to invest $100 million plus in their Sidney facility,” said Raible. A commitment such as this demonstrates Emerson’s long term intent to continue its global business operations here in Shelby County. As a representative of the Shelby County business community, we couldn’t be more pleased or proud.”
Construction on the project is slated to be completed by 2021.
