Fulton business opens its $3.7 million expanded facility to the public

One of the oldest manufacturing companies in Mid-Missouri revealed its latest expansion effort on Friday. Danuser Machine Company in Fulton produces its own product line as well as machine parts for other companies.

Groundbreaking for the project happened last September. Now, almost a year later, the 32,000 square foot facility is open.

The project is funded through a Chapter 100 bond approved by the City of Fulton. It covered the entire $3.7 million needed to create more space for new technology and new jobs.

The company plans to hire for 10 new positions before the end of this year.

“Those positions would be machining to fabricating and some welding, as well,” said Roland Bartley, Danuser Sales Manager. “We were a one-shift manufacturing facility. We’ve since gone to two shifts, and the expansion has helped that out as well.”

The company currently employs 71 people. The majority of its employees are from Callaway County and are 15-year veterans of Danuser. Lonnie Wyman, Jr. programs at least three of the new robotic machines in the facility and has been doing it for 14 years.

“Jerry Danuser gave me the chance to come up and be a welder to prove myself,” Wyman said. “I did, and then he come and asked me one day to go to school and become a program the robotic welders to learn the trade of doing that.”

Mayor LeRoy Benton said the expansion is reflective of the city itself.

“We’re just very tickled as a community that we can a part of and ensure that this expansion could happen. It’s a beautiful facility, and we’re just really appreciative of the Danuser family.”

Danuser must repay the bond within 10 years.

This is the businesses’ first expansion in 40 years. The company itself has been in business for more than 100 years.