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By Ayanna Eckblad

NORTHWOOD — Managers and employees at ADA Enterprises Inc. in Northwood on Monday gathered behind the existing facility for a special groundbreaking event.

The company, which opened in 1974, will be celebrating its 50-year anniversary by building an expansion to the business that will add 50,000 square feet of space to the 70,000 square feet of the existing property.

According to president and CEO Tom Stensrud and the company website, ADA Enterprises, Inc. began as a manufacturer of plastisol-coated animal flooring for pigs and eventually grew to include flooring for the animal medical research industry. It now makes Dura Trac animal flooring for many different types of animals including calves, goats, sheep, dogs, ducks and geese.

The company began making commercial-grade outdoor furniture in 1977. Stensrud said that the business has made several pieces of furniture that are in Albert Lea.

Over the next few years the company is planning to double their plastic coating ability and increase their outdoor furniture manufacturing. It will also focus on investing in increased laser and robotics technology.

“We require more space,” Stensrud said. “We have a lot of stuff outside so we need to get it inside so we can be more efficient.”

A press release states that 13 acres of land adjacent to the facility was purchased to house the expansion. ADA Enterprises  Inc. has hired Dean Snyder Construction of Clear Lake to build the expansion.

In the press release, Stensrud also thanked ADA Enterprise Inc.’s community partnerships and the role they played in the company’s new expansion,

“If not for our partnership with the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRUS) through Iowa State University, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Clear Lake Bank and Trust and the excellent relationship with the community of Northwood, Iowa, this expansion would not be a reality. We are fortunate to be located in a city with not only an excellent school system but also much to offer its residents and businesses.”

The groundbreaking event included employees and management of ADA Enterprises Inc. digging a hole at the site of the company’s new expansion site, symbolizing the beginning of the project. This was followed by a lunch catered by Smokin’ Mana’s Food Trucks.

ADA Enterprises Inc. currently employs 57 people and is looking to hire several more to work in welding and general production positions. The sales department is also expected to grow in the near future. More information can be found at adaent.net.