ROME — The dust will have barely settled from one expansion project before Kris-Tech Wire breaks ground this coming spring on another expansion to give the fast-growing company the space it needs. The wire manufacturer just finished an 80,000-square-foot expansion at its 80 Otis St. facility, Wendy Calabrese, director of employee engagement, says. But it […]
ROME — The dust will have barely settled from one expansion project before Kris-Tech Wire breaks ground this coming spring on another expansion to give the fast-growing company the space it needs. The wire manufacturer just finished an 80,000-square-foot expansion at its 80 Otis St. facility, Wendy Calabrese, director of employee engagement, says. But it wasn’t long into that project that Kris-Tech realized it wasn’t going to be enough. That’s why the firm will break ground in the spring of 2024 on a 90,000-square-foot addition entirely devoted to production space, she says. In the meantime, Kris-Tech is settling into its most recent addition, which includes new production and manufacturing space as well as conference rooms, a second break room, and a new training facility. The addition also allowed the company to close a leased production location in the former Harden Furniture factory in Blossvale. “We’ve since closed that, and we’re all under one roof now,” Calabrese says. The move has boosted morale and camaraderie at the plant. “There’s people that haven’t seen each other in over a year that are rekindling friendships.” Fresh off a retreat to set 2025 sales goals, Kris-Tech isn’t slowing down any time soon. The company invested in its sales force in recent years, which is driving much of the company’s growth. “Our sales team is stronger than ever,” Calabrese says. The growing solar industry is also giving the business a sales boost. Kris-Tech Wire is used in an array of applications from buildings to solar arrays. The company’s employee count is growing as well, adding 23 employees in recent months to bring its current total to just over 180 employees. Kris-Tech Wire will still add about another dozen employees this year, Calabrese adds, with positions ranging from engineering to production. “The following year, we’re going to need at least 30,” she says. “We’re very excited. It’s great for the community, too.” Many of the company’s employees come from the surrounding communities including Rome, Camden, Lee Center, Utica, and Holland Patent. Along with its currently 200,000 square feet of space in Rome, Kris-Tech also operates a 40,000-square-foot facility in Houston, Texas to meet growing demand in that part of the country, Calabrese says. Brothers Gerry and Glenn Brodock founded the company in 1984. Graham Brodock, the third generation, leads the company today.