Minneapolis, MN (10/1/2012) - Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII)
today broke ground on an expansion of the Company's Product Development
Center near Wyoming, Minn. Since opening in 2005, the 126,000 square foot
research and development facility has been pivotal in Polaris' ascent to
the top of the global powersports market.
|
Polaris' 126,000 square foot Product Development Center in Wyoming, Minnesota to double in square footage |
"Opening the Wyoming facility seven years ago reinforced Polaris'
dedication to leading through innovation," said Scott Wine, Polaris CEO.
"Continuously improving our technology, and incorporating those advances
into our vehicles, is the cornerstone of our success, and expanding our
Product Development Center paves the way for its future contributions."
Wine, along with other Polaris executives and political and civic leaders,
took center stage at the ground breaking ceremony earlier today, driving
shovels into the ground in a ceremonial start to the construction project.
The event also was attended by Polaris employees and notable Minnesotan
politicians and business leaders, including U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar,
U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack and Commissioner Mark Phillips of the
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
"We are thankful for our continued partnership with Polaris, and excited
that they chose to expand operations here in Minnesota," DEED Commissioner
Phillips said. "This investment is an important boost to the local economy
and will help maintain Polaris' place as an industry leader and innovator."
GREATER MSP, the region's economic development partnership, coordinated the
involvement of Polaris, Chisago County, the City of Wyoming, and DEED, to
compile a package of financial incentives to help Polaris expand. A
combination of job training support, infrastructure improvements, R & D
credits, JOBZ financing and other incentives provided a unique opportunity
for Polaris' project.
The expansion of the Wyoming facility will add 144,000 square feet to the
existing building, more than doubling its size. This new space will provide
large work bays for off-road vehicles, flexible conference and display
space, a new electrical lab, and a new EMI room. The extra space will also
allow expansion of the café and kitchen and add a new parking lot for
additional employees. The construction effort will be led by Ryan
Companies, US, the same firm that led construction on the original building
in 2005.
"We were excited when Polaris chose Ryan to construct its Product
Development Center in 2005, and we're feeling that excitement again as we
partner with Polaris to expand the facility," said Pat Ryan, CEO and
president, Ryan Companies, US, Inc. "Ryan is similar to Polaris in many
ways, from our values to our rich history and Minnesota roots. It's our
privilege to partner with another great company on a project like this. We
look forward to getting started."
The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2013
About Polaris
Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2011
sales of $2.7 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets
innovative, high quality off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain
vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles,
motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.
Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road
vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and
touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands.
Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small
electric/hybrid vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) and
Goupil Industrie SA, and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances
the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel,
accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "PII", and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock
price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and
vehicles accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or
anytime at www.polaris.com
