Bobcat Company has officially broken ground on its $20 million renovation and expansion to create the Acceleration Center in Bismarck, N.D. When complete, the Acceleration Center will be a modern complex for advancing innovation where professionals utilize technology and modern design.

The project includes expansion of an existing building as well as development of a new test track and indoor testing facility — all at the Northern Plains Commerce Centre in Bismarck. The expansion of the existing building will include a two-story office building and provide a total of 160,000 square feet of modern workspace. Additionally, a

35,000-square-foot indoor testing arena will be constructed next to a 22-acre outdoor testing and track area. Construction is expected to be complete by summer 2014.

The Acceleration Center will initially house 135 employees tasked with innovating and advancing designs; testing; prototype engineering; and the computer simulation of ideas and concepts. These efforts will be accelerated thanks to the collaborative open environment and modern technology built into the facility.

Company President Rich Goldsbury was the master of ceremonies for the groundbreaking event, while North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple, U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, U.S. Representative Kevin Cramer, and Bismarck Mayor John Warford were on hand to make the ceremonial turn of dirt, which included the use of Bobcat equipment to mark the moment.

“This is an exciting day as we invest in the future of Bobcat and the future of North Dakota,” said Goldsbury. “We created the compact equipment industry, and the Acceleration Center will ensure the Bobcat tradition of innovation and market leadership continues.”

The Acceleration Center will also serve as a center for excellence and a learning institute for employees. The facility features an open space and high-tech design to encourage collaboration and discussion. Bobcat dealers and customers will be brought to the complex for training and hands-on experience operating the newest innovations from Bobcat.

“The newest designs, the latest technologies and the best ways to apply product features important to our customers will be part of the daily life inside the Acceleration Center,” Goldsbury added. “We take great pride in our North Dakota roots. Today, we have set the foundation for the future in North Dakota.”

The contractor for the project is Comstock Construction Inc. of Wahpeton. When complete, the entire project — including the original building built in 2005 — will mark a $35 million investment by Bobcat in the Northern Plains Commerce Centre in Bismarck.

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