Chromalox expansion to increase capacity, create jobs, advance technology

Chromalox has announced a major expansion to its electric heating technology plant in Ogden. The company will invest more than $58 million in the project with E.K Bailey Construction as the general contractor. Chromalox said the expansion will increase its production capacity, create jobs and advance new manufacturing technology. The project was announced in conjunction with the Weber County Economic Development Office.

Chromalox, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is part of the Electric Thermal Solutions (ETS) division of Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC of Gloucestershire, England. Chromalox officials said the upgraded Ogden plant, first constructed in 1976, will implement key technology and systems in accordance with Spirax-Sarco’s One Planet Sustainability Strategy. The facility will include a significant investment in a ground source heat pump system to heat and cool the facility year-round with renewable, geothermal energy. Additional investments will include LED lighting and high-efficiency systems to conserve water consumption and improve recycling. State-of-the-art paint booths will utilize environmentally friendly paints and incorporate advanced filtration systems, while reducing operational energy consumption.

Chromalox will also invest in the local ecosystem to offset the impacts of the expansion by working to restore nearly five acres in the Ogden Nature Preserve. This work will include restoring natural vegetation, wildlife habitat and land in the Ogden area that was historically impacted by past military operations and adverse weather.

Armando Pazos, president and managing director of ETS, praised Ogden as a location with “an experienced workforce, including some with as much as 40 years’ experience with Chromalox, as well as existing infrastructure and certifications for a seamless transition to the expanded facility.

“Over the recent decades, our engagement with the state of Utah and particularly the Northern Weber County region has been highly effective for Chromalox,” Pazos said. “We have made great strides in our quest to set the bar progressively higher for clean and sustainable energy and to meet these demands with operational excellence. We are a key supplier to help industrial customers decarbonize with our patented offerings to electrify industrial processes with our electric heating technology and solutions, and Ogden is the center of our operations for the manufacturing of these products.”

“This upgrade and expansion will increase sustainability and biodiversity at Chromalox’s Weber County facility and is a proactive step in enriching our community,” said Gage Froerer, Weber County commissioner. “We look forward to working with Chromalox as a global leader in paving the way in thermal electric heating technology.”

Chromalox anticipates completion of the new facility by the end of 2024.