Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Grace Kirchner Groundbreaking was held Monday for an expansion project at Marion Body Works. Shown are, from left, State Rep. Kevin Peterson, President and CEO of Marion Body Works Curt Ignacio, Marion Body Works co-owners Lynne Simpson and Nancy Ignacio, and Dave Thiel, of the Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation.
Officials of Marion Body Works Inc. recently announced that they had signed an agreement with Consolidated Construction Co. to build a new headquarters and expand an existing manufacturing facility in Marion.
Although some work has already begun, the official groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday.
“This large expansion has a 110-year history,” said Curt Ignacio, president and CEO of Marion Body Works. “Seventy percent of our dollars go outside the state of Wisconsin. The new facility will have three times more office space. It will allow room for the staff as we grow. There will be more production space and warehouse.
“It allows us to compete with the big customers. It will impact the area and enlighten the city tax base.”
Marion Body Works is a family-run company that has been in business since 1905. V.R. “Bud” Simpson and his wife, Betty, purchased the company in 1980.
“This is a big deal for the city and the employees,” co-owner Nancy (Simpson) Ignacio said. “This started 110 years ago in a blacksmith shop. … I am proud of my dad who had the vision and talent to see the potential dream of owning a company, and Betty (his wife) stood behind him.”
When Bud Simpson retired in 2003, his son, Jim, and son-in-law, Curt Ignacio, became co-presidents. Jim Simpson was killed in a traffic accident in 2012.
“I thank the folks that stepped up to help Curt keep afloat,” Nancy Ignacio said. “There has been unprecedented growth, and we are full to capacity. It is time to refresh and rebuild for office space and space for employees and for the customers.”
Curt Ignacio noted that the groundbreaking was held on co-owner Lynne Simpson’s birthday.
“This is bittersweet for me,” Lynne Simpson said. “I am glad to carry out Jim’s life work. I look forward to its completion.”
The project is expected to be completed in May.
Tom Pamperin, a member of the Marion Economic Development Committee, thanked Marion Body Works for its dedication and commitment to Marion.
The company manufactures fire and emergency apparatus, commercial truck bodies, aluminum custom cabs, custom-engineered vehicles and defense products for customers across the country. It has experience in all-aluminum product fabrication.
With 230 workers, Marion Body Works is the largest employer in the city of Marion.