Donaldson Company, Inc., a manufacturer of filtration systems, recently announced plans for a $10 million expansion of the testing laboratories at its Bloomington headquarters.
The company said it expects the upgraded facility to be fully operational next year, and the move is meant to “enhance Donaldson’s capabilities for testing filter performance under various environmental conditions, further elevating its leadership in technology development.”
Donaldson said the upgrade will allow it to employ multiple testing variables simultaneously, including temperature, humidity, vibration, pulsation, and flow. The results are expected to help the company’s scientists and engineers boost efficiency and cut costs.
Donaldson employs roughly 1,300 in Bloomington, which represents its only Minnesota operations, according to a company spokeswoman.
The expansion involves adding more automated systems and enhancing current technical capabilities, so it is not currently expected to result in an increase in Bloomington jobs, nor will it result in any layoffs, she said.
Donaldson employs about 12,500 workers worldwide at more than 140 sales, manufacturing, and distribution locations.
Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Sheila Peyraud said in a statement that the expanded testing facilities in Bloomington complement the company’s 10 international laboratories and align with Donaldson’s larger “global strategic growth plan.”
Donaldson is among Minnesota’s 25 largest public companies based on revenue, which totaled $2.5 billion for the fiscal year that ended in July 2012. The company plans to announce financial results for its latest fiscal year on August 27.