BLOOMINGTON, IL The Brandt Group of Companies announces the acquisition of the U.S. manufacturing plant and equipment of Kongskilde Industries A/S. The state-of-the-art 200,000-square-foot facility, located in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, was previously employed in the manufacture of agricultural equipment for the American market.

"We are very excited at the prospect of saving this plant from closure," said Brandt President, Shaun Semple. "This is a world-class manufacturing facility and we are delighted to have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the growth of the American economy."

The facility is situated on 40 acres of land and is fully equipped with the latest tooling, including a modern powder-coat paint line. It will be used by Brandt to produce agricultural equipment for the American corn and soybean markets. Production is expected to start in the first quarter of 2018, with employment planned to hit 300 within five years.

Brandt has maintained a strong and growing presence on the Canadian manufacturing scene since 1932 and currently sells its products in over 20 countries around the world. This acquisition represents the company's first manufacturing venture in the United States.