Rosman, NC-Automated Tool & Machine, an advanced manufacturing company located in Transylvania County announces plans to acquire, relocate and transform an existing 50,000 square foot industrial building located in the Town of Rosman. According to owner Duane Aiken, “Our company is extremely excited to announce our purchase and expansion into the Blue Ridge Dynamics building. This development allows our company to increase investment, add several new jobs and creates the opportunity to add new service capabilities to our growing company.”
Automated Tool & Machine was founded in 2002 and incorporated in 2007 as part of Transylvania County’s existing network of more than 30 industrial companies who collectively represent 574 employees. Automated Tool & Machine manufacturers custom tooling and automation equipment. The machines developed by the company integrate the latest computer and industrial designs and are ultimately installed in final assembly operations across the country. Among others, customers include General Electric, Borg Warner, Continental Corp., Wix Filtration, Kyocera, Siemens Energy, even NASA indirectly. The company is staffed by experienced, highly skilled, metal fabrication and industrial design professionals with expertise in Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) systems, welding and metal working.
During its formative years, the company operated in a leased building on U.S. 64 in Pisgah Forest. In 2009, the company bought and remodeled their current facility on Greenville Highway. The company added custom lighting and enough office space to accommodate new industrial design work. Automated Tool and Machine reached capacity in their existing facility last year after growing to more than twelve full and part time staff. Once the company has transitioned to their new facility the owner plans to lease their current space.
Before deciding to expand in Rosman, Automated Tool & Machine evaluated numerous sites and buildings. The company gravitated to the Blue Ridge Dynamics building late in the process. Purpose built for woodworking, as the former Peter Vitalie facility, the 49,500 square foot building will gain new life as a metal fabrication, office and warehouse building. Following the company’s relocation, Automated Tool & Machine will renovate the facility, utilizing half for their own use and offering a portion for lease to other light industrial business or warehouse users.
According to Mark Tooley, Chairman of the Transylvania Economic Alliance, “Our primary organizational priority is focused on protecting, encouraging and growing Transylvania County businesses. It is these existing companies who have already made the decision to invest in our community, employ local people and we want to be actively engaged and supportive of these efforts. This project reflects the success of that mission, and we congratulate and thank Automated Tool & Machine.”
“We are extremely thankful for the opportunity to celebrate Automated Tool & Machine’s important milestone. This is a company that creates a global product which begins right here in Transylvania County,” said Chairman Larry Chapman of the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners. “Transitioning this large industrial building back into active service is a positive thing and it’s an example of how existing building square footage fits into our growth strategy,” he added.
“On behalf of the Town of Rosman, I would like to officially welcome Duane and his team to their new home. Our town is extremely excited to see new life in this building and we look forward to many future successes. Our goal as a Town is to be a partner with area industries and we look forward to building a great relationship,” said Mayor Brian Shelton, Town of Rosman.
