Leading manufacturer of lightweight conveyor belts Ammeraal Beltech announced this month that it will expand its American modular manufacturing business, uni, in Reading, Pennsylvania. The facility houses production for the company’s plastic modular belts and chain.

“This announcement further supports our growth strategy and our ambition to be closer to the markets we serve, offering reduced supply chain lead times and outstanding service to our OEM and distributor partners,” said Ammega Americas Vice President of Marketing Steve Facetti.

The announcement comes on the heels of April’s news that Ammeraal Beltech, part of the Ammega Group family, is also planning a multi-phase synthetic belt production facility in Buford, Georgia, that is slated to begin manufacturing this fall.

“The expansion of our modular belt operations is another strategic move allowing Ammeraal Beltech and its uni brand to deliver a best-in-class customer experience serving all sales channels,” explained Vice President and General Manager of Ammeraal Beltech U.S. operations Niels van den Boogert. “With new operations and increased production capacity, we will be able to build a more efficient supply chain structure offering a broader product offering, faster response, better cost balance, and shorter lead times.”

The multi-phase investment in the expansion of the uni brand, which is used primarily in the food sectors, corrugated and automotive industry, was spurred by growing industrial market opportunity. Modular Business Unit Director Alex Ludvigsen said, “Market demand is requiring increased manufacturing capacity to support our customer base in North and South America.”

Read more: Global Conveyor Belt Manufacturer Expands U.S. Business in Pennsylvania