OWATONNA, MN — McQuay International’s new plant in Owatonna produced its first Vision air handler in Oct. 2000, less than three months after the company announced its expansion here. The equipment fulfills an order from the Salem-Keizer School District in Oregon, whose officials were on hand for a celebration at the local plant to commemorate the manu-facturing milestone.

“Sales of our Vision air handlers are increasing, and we are very confident the demand for this product will continue to grow,” said Eric Roberts, executive vice president and general manager of McQuay North America. “We expect to be operating at full capacity within six months, and have already hired 50 employees, and anticipate an employee base of 200 persons when we’re at full capacity.”

The Salem-Keizer district ordered two Vision air handlers to be installed at the Parrish Middle School in Salem as part of a renovation of the historic building’s air conditioning system.

Publication date: 1/15/2001