Shape Corp. Breaks Ground on NEW Aluminum Center of Excellence

On Thursday, July 15, Shape Corp. held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Aluminum Center of Excellence in Trenton, Ohio. The 322,000-sq.-ft facility will allow the company to expand its manufacturing and research capabilities of tight tolerance aluminum extrusions and assemblies while creating more than 170 new jobs in the area. 

“Building the Aluminum Center of Excellence is allowing us to take the critical next step in Shape’s growth journey,” said Mark White, president and CEO of Shape Corp.

“Not only will this facility attract top talent to the market, but it’s ensuring we stay true to our innovation principles and remain on the leading edge of aluminum technology for our expanding customer base.”

Shape Corp. is investing heavily in its global footprint by doubling down on its impact energy management engineering expertise and expanding its capabilities in tight tolerance aluminum extrusions and assemblies.

“This new state-of-the-art facility will give us the space we need to continue investing in the resources that push boundaries and create amazing aluminum solutions in the automotive market,” said Mark Butterfield, managing director of Shape’s Aluminum Division and former vice president of Engineering and Manufacturing at Magnode. 

This expansion follows the 2018 acquisition of Magnode, the fully integrated supplier of aluminum extrusions, from Trenton, Ohio. Magnode has more than 70 years of experience in the aluminum extrusion business and became an ideal match when Shape Corp. expanded its aluminum capabilities. Now integrated under one operating model, the combined company is leveraging its diverse engineering expertise to provide customers with the complex aluminum solutions they seek.

“After establishing 70 years in Trenton with Magnode, it made sense for Shape’s expansion to remain planted in the region and reflect on the value it will add to our community,” said Butterfield.

While Shape’s portfolio of work focuses on the automotive industry, its aluminum division has an established role in additional markets outside of the sector. The supplier’s multi-material solutions, including steel, aluminum, plastics, composites and hybrid solutions, provide significant value to customers worldwide.  

Construction on the new facility will continue through the end of 2021, and phase one is expected to be completed in 2022.

About Shape Corp.

Shape Corp. is a global leader in multi-material impact energy management and lightweight body structures utilizing the very best in ultra-high-strength steel roll forming, tight tolerance aluminum extrusions and large-tonnage injection molding. Shape serves an array of industries, including automotive, office furniture, medical, agriculture and more. Founded in 1974, the company employs more than 4,500 team members. It remains a privately owned family company with 17 facilities worldwide, allowing Shape to provide service to North America, Europe and Asia.