HUTCHINSON, Kan. — National Modular is expanding its Reno County operations into the Kansas Enterprise Industrial Park, where the company is developing prototypes for new restaurant concepts, including Jimmy John's.
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debra Teufel said Monday that National Modular has leased a speculative industrial building developed by Salt City Business Investments.
The company already operates a facility in Haven, where it previously constructed modular buildings for the 7 Brew coffee chain.
Teufel said the newly leased Hutchinson facility will serve as a prototype center for new product lines, allowing the company to develop and refine production processes before expanding manufacturing.
National Modular recently shipped its first Jimmy John's prototype from the facility.
The unit was reportedly headed to Fargo, North Dakota, where company representatives followed the shipment to its destination.
"They're getting it all streamlined for new production," Teufel said.
Teufel said she recently toured the building and anticipates the company could expand its operations at the site.
"I would expect they're probably going to expand further on that site," she said.
The development represents another example of how available industrial buildings can attract business activity and support the growth of companies already operating in Reno County.
Teufel credited Salt City Business Investments for constructing the building, which provided National Modular with space for its latest expansion.
The project was among several business investments recognized during the Chamber's recent economic development impact breakfast.
Teufel said she expects additional production activity to emerge from the Kansas Enterprise Industrial Park as the company's operations develop.