U.S. Engineering Metalworks Expands Lawrence Manufacturing Operations

Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson today announced U.S. Engineering Metalworks has expanded it Lawrence operations with the opening of a new 110,000-square-foot production facility at Lawrence VenturePark. The company’s $25 million investment is expected to add approximately 30 positions in its first year and another 20 within three years.

U.S. Engineering Metalworks opened its first Lawrence facility in 2022 and today employs approximately 160 people locally, exceeding the company’s original five-year employment projection. Through leasing this new facility, the company builds upon its rapid growth in the Douglas County community and creates additional manufacturing capacity to support complex projects across the country.

“U.S. Engineering Metalworks’ expansion will have a significant impact on both the regional and state economies,” Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said. “In addition to creating high-skill, high-wage job opportunities for Kansans, the company will further strengthen our state’s already robust advanced manufacturing sector.”

A study conducted by the City of Lawrence projects the expansion will generate more than $52 million in net benefits over 25 years for the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, USD 497 and the State of Kansas.

“We deeply appreciate the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, and the State of Kansas for their partnership,” Chairman and CEO of U.S. Engineering Holdings Tyler Nottberg said. “Since the opening of U.S. Engineering Metalworks’ first facility here in 2022, Lawrence has become an essential part of its national operations. The work U.S. Engineering Metalworks team members deliver from this location supports projects across the country, including hospitals, research facilities, data centers, and major local commercial developments, such as Panasonic Energy in De Soto.”

U.S. Engineering Metalworks’ Lawrence operation fabricates piping, plumbing, sheet metal and other mechanical systems for large-scale projects nationwide, including data centers, health care campuses and research facilities. The expansion provides additional space and capacity to support the company’s growing fabrication operations.

“Our Lawrence team continues to set the standard for precision fabrication and collaboration,” President of U.S. Engineering Metalworks Kevin Sears said. “This expansion allows us to grow our capabilities, create more opportunities for skilled tradespeople, and strengthen the supply chain for some of the nation’s largest and most complex building systems.”

Steve Kelly, Vice President of Economic Development for the Lawrence-Douglas County EDC, said the project demonstrates the strength of the partnership between U.S. Engineering Metalworks and the community.

“U.S. Engineering Metalworks has delivered exactly what the Catalyst Program was designed to achieve: good jobs, long-term investment, and national visibility for Lawrence’s workforce,” Kelly said. “Their continued growth shows that Lawrence is a place where companies can thrive.”