Trelleborg Medical Solutions is breaking ground to expand its Innovation Center based in Delano, MN. The company says the site expansion will enable it to take on additional projects and accelerate the design and development cycle for customers. The Innovation Center move and expansion project are scheduled to be completed in spring of 2027.
“We know that speed to market and high quality, reliable supply are critical factors in our customer partnerships," says Kevin Ehlert, business unit president of Medical Device Solutions Americas. "This investment enables Trelleborg to deliver on all aspects and provide an exceptional experience to our customers from early-stage prototyping all the way to high-volume commercialization all under one roof.”
This project involves construction of approximately 45,000 sq ft (4,180 sq m) of new space comprising a visitor center, as well as a remodel and expansion of the tool shop to approximately 10,500 sq ft (975 sq m) total. It also includes additional high-end machining and injection molding, as well as increased space for the automation and vision laboratory. “The visitor center will be a collaborative, high-tech meeting area where customers can brainstorm on project ideas alongside our experts," says Jeff Westom, Innovation Center and new product development director. The additional Swiss machining, injection molding, and tool making infrastructure will enhance our in-house capabilities to provide the highest quality components fast without relying on outside shops. The increased automation lab also provides scalability to support future projects and dedicated space for developing vision inspection and automation systems,” Westom adds.
“We continually hear from customers that they choose us for our expertise in tooling, technical solutions and ability to assist with everything from prototyping to serial production enhanced with automation," he says. "This remodel and expansion project enables us to continue doing that but on a larger scale, utilizing more equipment and experts added through our new apprenticeship program.”
