Rockford Toolcraft plans expansion of one of its plants in south Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A local manufacturer plans to add on to one of its plants on the city’s south side after outgrowing its existing space.
Rockford Toolcraft Inc. plans to work with Cord Construction to build a 33,000-square-foot addition to its plant at 5455 11th St., where it makes components for heavy duty trucks and agricultural equipment.
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It’s the fifth addition to the plant, which was built in 2001, and the company’s first add-on since 2011. The extra space will give Rockford Toolcraft 225,000 square feet at its 11th Street plant. Combined with its plant at 766 Research Parkway, the company will have about 400,000 square feet of space. It employs about 400 between its two plants.
“We have needed this for quite a few years,” said Tom Busse, owner and CEO of Rockford Toolcraft. “We’ve outgrown our current space probably two years ago and just been living with it. …
“It’s to satisfy our current needs and it’s going to open up potential for the future as far as the space.”
Busse purchased the company from his father, Jerry Busse, in October. Jerry Busse founded the company in 1976, originally operating on 23rd Avenue before moving to Research Parkway.
Tom Busse has worked with the company since 1982, when it employed 15 people. He became company president in 2011 as his father transitioned into semi-retirement.
“I give him the credit of the company’s growth, but I was fortunate enough to assist him in all these years of our growth,” Tom Busse said.
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There have been 15 total additions between the two plants since the one on Research Parkway opened in 1985.
The tool-and-die maker primarily serves the heavy truck industry and makes parts for tractors, hay balers, combines and other agricultural equipment.
“Thank you to our 400 employees and over 100 customers that have all helped us get to where we are,” Tom Busse said. “Most of all, we want to thank our founder, Jerry Busse, who guided and molded our company to what it is today. We wish him the best in his retirement.”
Work on the expansion is expected to begin in about two months.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
