ifm prover, inc. (ifm) celebrated the grand opening of their new Manufacturing and Technology Center, a hub of research, development, and production of process sensor technology to improve the quality and reliability of sensors used in the manufacturing industry.
“Back in 2011, we conducted a nationwide search and selected Chester County as the home for our Technology Center for a variety of key factors, including access to a talented workforce. That was the best decision we made. When we needed to expand, we aimed to remain as close as possible to our previous site to ensure we retained all of our dedicated employees. I am excited for the continued expansion and investment in our community,” said Peter Breh, president of ifm prover, USA.
The previous location opened in 2012, and sales have grown 500% since then. Expanding from 37,000 to 90,000 square feet, this new facility was necessary to keep pace with increased demand for ifm process sensors globally. The Malvern Technology Center produces ultrasonic flow sensors, vortex flow sensors, and all temperature instruments for ifm customers worldwide. Currently with 130 employees working across three shifts, ifm expects to double the number of employees and sales over the next few years.
The production area maintains high standards of cleanliness to minimize dust, features bright lighting for enhanced visibility, and operates within a climate-controlled environment to ensure optimal working conditions for employees and the high-quality assembly of electronic components.
By implementing one-piece flow lean production principles, the production team can receive an order for an out-of-stock part number, assemble it, and ship it for same-day delivery to the customer. In an industry where product lead times are months long, this facility provides an e-commerce experience to industrial customers. The team showcases how world-class manufacturing excellence drives growth in PA and helps manufacturers stay competitive in today’s global market.