Continuing Manufacturing Job Creation Through Expansion in Central Missouri

As a family-owned company started in 1949, Quaker Windows & Doors offers a rich history of growth and innovation.

In a significant move to expand its operations, Quaker is investing more than $30 million in its Eldon manufacturing facility, creating 220 new jobs. This expansion underscores Quaker's commitment to increasing its manufacturing capacity, adding 300,000 square feet to its existing 450,000-square-foot campus. The original phase of the Eldon facility was completed in 2020, marking the beginning of a period of rapid growth for the company. Over the past four years, the location has grown three times, bringing its total space to nearly 800,000 square feet.

This latest expansion includes installing a vertical paint line, enhancing powder paint capabilities and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, Quaker is expanding its insulating glass production and adding tempering capabilities to better meet the needs of its customer base. This state-of-the-art equipment not only boosts efficiency but also creates stable, specialized jobs—reinforcing Quaker's dedication to quality as well as community development.

Supporting Workforce Development With State Programs

Quaker Windows & Doors is also committed to supporting workforce development in the local community. This latest Eldon expansion was highly collaborative. The effort involved local utilities, school districts and the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). Quaker also leveraged state programs like the Missouri WORKS Program to qualify for incentives that help facilitate this growth.

Headquartered in Freeburg, MO, Quaker continued to search for further expansion opportunities. To accelerate its growth and access a broader employment pool, the company decided to invest resources and build new facilities in Eldon, MO. This strategic move was supported by close cooperation with local leaders, including the superintendent of the local school district and State Fair Community College, both of whom play a vital role in developing and funneling skilled workers into Quaker’s new job opportunities.

Despite facing tough competition for workforce talent from nearby Lake of the Ozarks, Quaker's HR team is effectively attracting and retaining employees in Eldon. This success is a testament to the company's collaborative efforts with state and local programs, which provide essential training and development resources to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Quaker Worked Closely With Ameren Missouri’s Engineering Team

Quaker Windows & Doors worked closely with Ameren to leverage energy efficiency incentives and upgrade the substation to support its new, efficient systems during its expansions. Particularly in Phase 3 (which demands the highest electric load), Quaker partnered with Ameren’s supervising engineers for their technical expertise. This collaboration helps ensure the facility's efficiency. Key considerations include: forecasting future load needs, troubleshooting and evaluating the most beneficial load rate. Decisions about owning equipment versus current lease arrangements and options like primary and secondary metering are also crucial.

Quaker is actively exploring further electrification options with Ameren within the facility (such as switching to an electric oven for paint curing), keeping an eye on the future with advanced, energy-efficient technologies.

Looking Forward to a Thriving Future

“This project is part of Quaker’s ongoing investment in our future,” said Kevin Blansett, CEO of Quaker Windows & Doors. “This expansion is a testament to our strategic partners’ collaborative effort and support,” continued Blansett. “We are grateful to the City of Eldon, Verslues Construction, Ameren Missouri, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri WORKS, Central Bank, and Ryan, LLC. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Together, we are expanding our facilities and contributing to central Missouri’s economic growth and development. We look forward to continuing these strong partnerships as we move forward.”

“The expansion of Quaker's footprint in Eldon is another example of how businesses are prospering in our service territory,” said Mark Birk, President and Chairman of Ameren Missouri.

“We are thrilled they chose to grow their business in central Missouri by investing in new technology and new jobs, which benefits the entire local community. Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan continues to be instrumental in making the region more attractive for businesses to grow here while also providing reliable energy to power the communities we serve.”