INglass Italian-based manufacturing company breaks ground on first U.S. facility

August 22, 2014

INglass Italian-based manufacturing company breaks ground on first U.S. facility

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INglass, an Italian-based manufacturing corporation with existing facilities in Italy and China, broke ground this week on their first United States facility. Situated at 920 74th Street SW in Byron Center, the new location will house INglass’s HRSflow division, manufacturing hot runner systems for plastic injection molding.

About the project

The new, 45,000-square-foot facility marks the first phase of construction. The facility is designed to accommodate future expansion, in line with INglass’s business growth projections. It will feature significant roof windows and natural daylighting and will also include thickened concrete floors throughout, topped with epoxy resin and accommodating a flexible manufacturing layout.

The project is scheduled through the winter months, with a projected construction completion date of April 2015. Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K), West Michigan-based firm, is providing architectural design and construction services for the new facility, with engineering design partners from Century A&E.

Local impact

According to a statement released by The Right Place in April, the facility will employ 109 people over the next four years. Other West Michigan partners in the project include Real Estate Broker, NAI Wisinski.

“In the following years, this decision will lead the company to a growth equal or greater to the one that we achieved in the past. Grand Rapids in particular was chosen due its strategic position for the plastic injection market,” stated Maurizio Bazzo, President of INglass group.

The company chose to open this new workshop in Michigan in order to be a worldwide hot runner systems supplier present in Europe, Asia and America able to supply its customers all around the world. INglass-HRSflow wants to enable its customers to reduce their time-to-market and improve their overall operating efficiency.

Considering the successful experience in China, with the production plant built in Hangzhou in 2009, the company is going to employ the same machinery and quality standards compared to the Italian headquarters, assuring the best quality of its operational and management processes wherever they are located.

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Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. is pleased to announce that Rob Rotchadl has joined the company as Senior Director of Strategy and Finance.

Rotchadl brings nearly 20 years of experience in strategic finance, planning, and operational leadership. Throughout his career, he has partnered closely with executive teams to translate strategy into disciplined execution—aligning financial planning, performance metrics and operational priorities to drive sustainable growth.

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In his new role, Rotchadl will work directly with O-A-K’s leadership team to enhance financial visibility, strengthen strategic planning processes, and ensure the company’s continued growth is supported by clear, data-driven decision-making and operational alignment.

“Rob brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to strategy and finance that aligns perfectly with our growth trajectory,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President of O-A-K. “His experience and perspective will help strengthen our ability to plan, perform, and deliver at a high level as we continue expanding across the region.”

“I’m excited to join an organization with such a strong reputation for both performance and culture,” said Rotchadl. “O-A-K’s employee-owned structure and commitment to building meaningful, community-driven projects create a powerful foundation for long-term success. I look forward to working alongside the team to strengthen our strategic planning and support continued, sustainable growth.”

Owen-Ames-Kimball’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers.

For more information, visit www.owen-ames-kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

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O-A-K Welcomes Nancy Johnson as First Chief People Officer

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. is proud to announce the hire of Nancy Johnson as the firm's first Chief People Officer. The newly created role reflects O-A-K's commitment to intentional growth and building a workplace where people can do their best work.

Johnson brings more than 20 years of experience in people strategy and organizational culture. She is no stranger to O-A-K. For the past three years, she has consulted with the firm's Executive Leadership team, giving her a deep understanding of the company's values, goals, and people. In her new role, she will lead O-A-K's people strategy, company culture, and talent alignment across the entire organization, supporting employees in Michigan, Florida, and Colorado. She will also oversee a team that includes O-A-K's Talent Acquisition Manager and Employee Experience Managers.

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Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. has been named a recipient of the 2026 Southwest Florida INCredible Award, recognizing businesses that excel in their industries while making a meaningful impact through community leadership and service.

Presented annually, the Southwest Florida INCredible Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate exceptional business success, strong workplace culture, and an ongoing commitment to giving back throughout Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

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O-A-K’s culture emphasizes employee development, collaboration, and long-term career growth. The company offers extensive professional development opportunities, mentorship, continuing education support, comprehensive benefits, and an employee ownership model that encourages accountability and shared success.

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O-A-K has completed numerous landmark projects throughout the region, including educational facilities, public infrastructure, healthcare environments, aviation projects, and nonprofit campuses that serve residents for generations to come.

Owen-Ames-Kimball’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O-A-K at www.owen-ames-kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

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