Raining Rose (asi/80489) has announced that it is nearing completion of an 8,100 sq. ft. expansion of production capabilities for its headquarters in Cedar Rapids, IA.

This $2.5 million renovation, which started in January, will take the company from its current 300 gallon blending tank capability and grow it with the addition of one 600 gallon side phase tank, a 2,000 gallon blending tank and a 2,500 gallon storage tank that will be accessed via a new 12-foot mezzanine platform. The first phase will be completed later this month and the company expects to add additional storage and blending tanks in a future phase. The first batches in this new production space are expected to start in early August.

The expansion marks a new chapter in the company’s growth, fueled by demand for quality manufacturing from nationally known brands, as well as more promotional products that are comparable to national brands, said Mike Wehr, COO of Raining Rose. “We have been a valued partner to the contract manufacturing and promotional products markets for years. Our clients continue to ask us what else we could make for them,” Wehr said.

The expansion also opens the door to filling water-based products, like lotions and sunscreens, more competitively and at a much larger scale. “This expansion diversifies how we serve our clients,” said CEO Chuck Hammond. “It’s not only the addition of capabilities to help us grow, it’s also a strategic step toward the future. We see tremendous opportunity to stand out as a leader in the contract manufacturing and promotional industries.”

In 2012, Raining Rose consolidated its three Cedar Rapids production locations into the current $12 million facility. Currently, Raining Rose employs approximately 300 employees, but expects to add 10-15 more with the new expansion.