This expansion is about building capacity with purpose.”

Nate Jensema, chief operating officer of Van Meter

Van Meter Inc. broke ground last Wednesday, April 29 at 1 p.m. on a major expansion of its regional distribution center in Cottage Grove, marking a significant investment in the company’s long-term growth and operations.
The Midwest-based, employee-owned distributor will add approximately 124,000 square feet to its existing facility, bringing the total footprint to about 315,000 square feet. The multi-year project also includes the implementation of advanced warehouse automation technology designed to improve efficiency and scalability.
Company leaders emphasized that the expansion is about more than increasing space. Nate Jensema, chief operating officer of Van Meter, said the project is focused on strengthening operations while maintaining customer service throughout construction.
“This expansion is about building capacity with purpose,” he said. “By combining additional space with intelligent automation, we’re creating a more efficient, scalable operation that supports our customers today while preparing us for what’s next. Just as importantly, we’re doing this in a way that maintains service continuity and enhances the daily experience for our employee-owners.”
With Van Meter an employee-owned company, the Cottage Grove site plays a central role in serving customers across the region, with the expansion allowing multiple operations, including inventory management, order fulfillment, and wire and cable processing, to be consolidated under one roof.
Jensema said that consolidation will also strengthen teamwork and company culture.
“By expanding our operations here, we’re going to allow our operations here to come back under one roof. It will allow us to strengthen collaboration and the culture, having the whole team all under here, under one roof,” he said.
Van Meter President and CEO Lura McBride described the project as a milestone moment for the company, highlighting its long-term vision.
“What an incredible day to celebrate such a special milestone in Van Meter’s history,” she said. “Today, this facility has 200 Van Meter employee owners. When we think about adding on 125,000 square feet, the big investment here is not just about serving our customers today and serving our communities today, but it’s making an investment for generations and decades to come.”
McBride added that the expansion reflects the company’s broader philosophy as an employee-owned business.
“This project represents a significant milestone for Van Meter and our confidence in the future,” she said. “As an employee-owned company, we think in generations, not quarters. This investment reflects our commitment to our people, our customers, and the communities we serve, ensuring we’re well positioned to grow responsibly and deliver exceptional value for decades to come.”
Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey also praised the project and its impact on the community, noting Van Meter’s role in job creation and community engagement.
“When we heard that Van Meter was looking to do this, we wanted to make sure that they continued to know that the city of Cottage Grove is a partner with them,” he said. “When it comes to growth in our community, you’re creating multiple jobs. You’re really involved in the community. Thank you to the leadership and all the employees of Van Meter. We truly appreciate the love of support that you provided, and we’re looking forward to the grand opening of the expansion of Van Meter.”
Ryan Companies will serve as the general contractor, with construction and automation work expected to continue through 2027. A full operational transition is anticipated in 2028.