BARTLESVILLE, OK-The Bartlesville Development Corp. has approved a proposal submitted by ABB to expand its local plant. The $14 million expansion plan will effectively double the Swiss company's manufacturing operations by 100,000 square feet, while adding more than 250 engineering and manufacturing jobs during the next 10 years.

Reports in areadevelopment.com and from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce point out that the expansion of the facility at 7051 Industrial Blvd. was proposed because of the growing demand for ABB's natural gas measurement equipment. The facility designs, develops and manufactures natural gas and liquid measurement products an analyzers, along with software applications for the upstream oil and gas market.

“The strength of the oil & gas market, specifically unconventional drilling activity; has provided our business a great opportunity for growth in recent years," says ABB general manager Gayle Lester in a press release. "We have been successful in making the most of this opportunity and are very excited to be able to expand our local facility to meet the increasing demand from customers."

ABB has been present in Bartlesville for more than 30 years.  “The company has deep roots in the community and our people are at the center of our success." Lester comments. "The support of the BDC and the Quality Jobs program administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce were key factors in the decision to expand the existing facility.”

Under the proposal, the Bartlesville Development Authority(BDA) will expand the publicly-owned facility currently occupied by ABB, and extend the lease for an additional 10 years. The  project, anticipated for an April launch date, will represent ABB's third expansion in the Bartlesville Industrial Park since 2000.