Worthington Enterprises Begins Modernization Project at Chilton, Wisconsin, Campus

Rhea-AI Summary

Worthington Enterprises (NYSE: WOR) has initiated a modernization project at its Chilton, Wisconsin campus, where it manufactures Bernzomatic® and Mag-Torch® hand torches and fuel cylinders. The project includes a new 58,000-square-foot building and equipment to increase automation, production efficiencies, and ensure product quality and safety. As the only U.S. manufacturer of hand torches and small format propane and propylene cylinders, Worthington's products are used in over 40 countries.

The project, with Keller, Inc. as the general contractor, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with full operations starting in 2026. Worthington, which acquired the Chilton operations in 2004, currently employs nearly 300 people across three shifts in the 365,500-square-foot facility.

Positive

• Investment in U.S. manufacturing and automation to increase production efficiencies
• Expansion of facilities with a new 58,000-square-foot building
• Only U.S. manufacturer of hand torches and small format propane/propylene cylinders
• Products distributed to over 40 countries, indicating strong global demand
• Potential for future expansion and growth

Negative

• None.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: WOR), a designer and manufacturer of market-leading brands that help enable people to live safer, healthier and more expressive lives, has begun a modernization project at its Chilton, Wisconsin, campus where it manufactures Bernzomatic® and Mag-Torch® hand torches and fuel cylinders. A new 58,000-square-foot building and equipment will increase automation and production efficiencies, help ensure continued product quality and safety performance and allow for future expansion.

Andy Rose, president and chief executive officer, Worthington Enterprises, said, “This is an investment in U.S. manufacturing, Chilton, our employees and our Company’s future. Consumers and professionals around the world trust the brands made here because of the quality products they represent. Each product reflects the hard work, reliability and commitment to excellence of every employee involved in the production process.”

Worthington Enterprises is the only U.S. manufacturer of hand torches and small format propane and propylene cylinders, which are used worldwide in homes, businesses and outdoors and relied on for construction, fixing, making, creating and when natural disasters strike. In 2023, cylinders made in Chilton reached customers and retailers in more than 40 countries.

Keller, Inc. of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, is the general contractor for the project. The building is expected to be completed by the end of calendar year 2025 with the facility fully operational in 2026.

Thomas Reinl, mayor, City of Chilton, commented, “Worthington has been a valued partner for 20 years as an engaged employer, active supporter of other local businesses and contributor to meaningful community causes. We are excited that the Company is investing here, which we believe is a testament to our citizens and the quality of life in our region.”

Worthington Enterprises acquired the Chilton operations in 2004. The facility itself opened in 1959. The Company employs nearly 300 people across three shifts in the 365,500-square-foot Chilton location. Individuals interested in local career opportunities can view current openings by visiting https://www.worthingtonenterprises.com/careers.

About Worthington Enterprises
Worthington Enterprises (NYSE: WOR) is a designer and manufacturer of market-leading brands that help enable people to live safer, healthier and more expressive lives. The Company operates with two primary business segments—Building Products and Consumer Products. The Building Products segment includes cooking, heating, cooling and water solutions, architectural and acoustical grid ceilings and metal framing and accessories. The Consumer Products segment provides solutions for the tools, outdoor living and celebrations categories. Product brands within the Worthington Enterprises portfolio include Balloon Time®, Bernzomatic®, Coleman®, CoMet®, Garden-Weasel®, General®, HALO™, Hawkeye™, Level5 Tools®, Mag Torch®, NEXI™, Pactool International®, PowerCore™, Well-X-Trol® and XLite™, among others. The Company also serves the growing global hydrogen ecosystem via a joint venture focused on on-board fueling systems and gas containment solutions.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington Enterprises and its joint ventures employ approximately 6,000 people throughout North America and Europe.

Founded in 1955 as Worthington Industries, Worthington Enterprises follows a people-first Philosophy with earning money for its shareholders as its first corporate goal. Worthington Enterprises achieves this outcome by empowering its employees to innovate, thrive and grow with leading brands in attractive markets that improve everyday life. The Company engages deeply with local communities where it has operations through volunteer efforts and The Worthington Companies Foundation, participates actively in workforce development programs and reports annually on its corporate citizenship and sustainability efforts. For more information, visit worthingtonenterprises.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements by Worthington Enterprises that are not limited to historical information constitute “forward-looking statements” under federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expected by Worthington Enterprises. Readers should evaluate forward-looking statements in the context of such risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are described in Worthington Enterprises’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Forward-looking statements are qualified by the cautionary statements included in Worthington Enterprises’ SEC filings and other public communications. This press release speaks only as of the date hereof. Worthington Enterprises does not undertake any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law or regulation.

Sonya L. Higginbotham
Senior Vice President
Chief of Corporate Affairs, Communications and Sustainability
614.438.7391
sonya.higginbotham@wthg.com

Marcus A. Rogier
Treasurer and Investor Relations Officer
614.840.4663
marcus.rogier@wthg.com

200 West Old Wilson Bridge Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43085
WorthingtonEnterprises.com

FAQ

What is Worthington Enterprises' modernization project in Chilton, Wisconsin?

Worthington Enterprises (NYSE: WOR) is modernizing its Chilton, Wisconsin campus with a new 58,000-square-foot building and equipment to increase automation, production efficiencies, and ensure product quality and safety for its Bernzomatic® and Mag-Torch® hand torches and fuel cylinders manufacturing.

When will Worthington Enterprises' Chilton modernization project be completed?

The new building at Worthington Enterprises' Chilton, Wisconsin campus is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with the facility fully operational in 2026.

How many countries do Worthington Enterprises' Chilton-made cylinders reach?

In 2023, cylinders made at Worthington Enterprises' Chilton, Wisconsin facility reached customers and retailers in more than 40 countries.

How many employees does Worthington Enterprises have at its Chilton, Wisconsin facility?

Worthington Enterprises (NYSE: WOR) employs nearly 300 people across three shifts in its 365,500-square-foot Chilton, Wisconsin location.