Opus Group has begun construction of a new headquarters and manufacturing plant for Cherne Industries in Shakopee.
Terms haven't been disclosed for the project, which will include a 131,000-square-foot facility to be located north of Hwy. 169 near the corner of Old Brick Yard Road and Vierling Drive.
Cherne is a 115-employee company that makes high-tech sewer-pipe plugs and testing equipment for large underground sewer systems and water-treatment plants.
Construction is expected to finish early next year. The complex will feature a factory, a separate and large loading-dock building, and 177 parking stalls. The main building will have amenities including a fitness center, locker rooms, prayer rooms and rooftop solar panels.
The new building will replace Cherne's facility in Edina. The headquarters is a boon to the city of Shakopee because Cherne's employment is expected to grow from 115 employees to 150 in five years, said Shakopee planning and development director Michael Kerski.
He added that to make the deal work, the city sold the land to Opus so it could develop the property for Cherne. City officials are excited about the development because Cherne's jobs are high-tech, involve the use of robots and pay about $20 an hour. The project will additionally contribute to the city's tax base after the expiration of an eight-year property-tax abatement plan, Kerski said.
Opus officials noted they worked with Shakopee for 18 months to create a space that meets Cherne's needs.
"This facility will allow Cherne to continue its aggressive growth pattern by servicing the needs of our customers, providing a first-class customer experience and having a workplace environment that is top notch for our associates," said David Biron, Cherne Industries general manager.
