SICK’s expansion in Minnesota will enable the creation of more high-quality jobs in the technology and manufacturing sectors
SICK, Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning of construction on a $64 million expansion at the SICK Office and Customer Resource Building in Bloomington, Minn., which is the North American headquarters for SICK.
Additionally, and in collaboration with the City of Bloomington and the Port Authority, the project also includes a 7-Level Parking Ramp, with convenient parking for all, with primary use by SICK employees.
“It will be a fantastic place to continue our strengths and allow for collaboration to flourish,” said Dave Szczepanski, President Execution, SICK Inc.
SICK History
SICK AG, based in Waldkirch, Germany, is one of the world's leading solution providers for sensor-based applications for industrial applications. The company has more than 12,000 employees worldwide and nearly $2.5 billion in sales in 2023.
Since 1975, SICK’s Minnesota-based employees have been based in various facilities around Minnesota and have recently moved into a new building in Bloomington located near to the Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Space for Innovation
The expansion provides an additional 139,000 square feet on four floors, each designed with purpose and functionality of labs, including engineering, vision software and applications, robotics, conveyors, and research & development. At this facility groundbreaking ideas take shape.
The Sensor Intelligence Academy Americas campus (SIA) state-of-the-art conferencing/training spaces awaits- where knowledge meets action.
Sustainability at Its Core
With sustainability at its core, the project will incorporate green space, geothermal wells, and tools to harness earth’s natural energy for efficient heating and cooling. This Bloomington campus will be the central connector for SICK’s customers and regional offices located in North America: Boston, Houston, Detroit, San Francisco, Toronto, and Calgary.
In addition, a central atrium is one of the highlights of the building. Sunlight dances through this vibrant heart of the building, infusing energy into every corner. A space where ideas flourish.
SICK Customer Resource Center
The new building is designed to be a customer resource and training center where SICK can showcase its current and future Industry 4.0 capabilities. Configurable demonstration and customer space allows to design and showcase applications specific to the customer’s needs.
“This new campus will house the brilliant minds that will continue to innovate together with our customers as partners. Here, creativity and innovation intertwine. It will serve as the central hub connecting our regional facilities across North America: from Boston to Calgary, from Detroit to Houston, and from San Francisco to Toronto,” said Ron Jubis, President Sales, SICK Inc.
Supporting Employees
While the campus is certainly customer-centric, the employees are equally in focus. There will be 350 workspaces, multiple collaboration spaces, large gathering spaces, a full-service cafeteria, and configurable training and multi-function rooms for the Sensor Intelligence Academy (SIA) Americas.
“Happy, capable employees and innovative technology are what drives a great customer experience on campus. It all goes hand in hand,” said Elise Furlan, Chief Legal and People Officer for North America and President for SICK PCA.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
On May 22, 2024, the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony took place to celebrate the beginning of construction of phase 2. At $64 million, it is the largest single building investment in the history of the SICK Group.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of SICK’s expansion in Bloomington,” said Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse. “This significant investment underscores SICK’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, and we are proud to collaborate on this project. This expansion marks a new chapter in Bloomington’s long partnership with SICK, and we look forward to the innovative ideas and advancements that will develop here.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the new building is set to open in late 2025. SICK employees plus an external team of architects, engineers, and designers are involved in the planning and implementation process. Additionally, and in collaboration with the City of Bloomington and the Port Authority, a seven-level parking ramp, with primary use by SICK employees, will be built as part of the project.
“SICK’s expansion is not just physical. It’s a leap into the future of production facilities, research and development, and industry partnerships,” Szczepanski said. “We are not just an employer of choice; we are a partner of choice, creating symbiotic relationships with institutions that are at the forefront of industry development.”
