The Conair Group is expanding its manufacturing operations in Franklin, Pa., spending $10 million to lease a second location as it brings more work in-house to support its plastics auxiliary equipment business.

The company has leased 157,760 square feet to add equipment and operations for fabrication, machining and powder coating, aiming to expand capacity, strengthen its supply chain and respond more quickly to customer requirements. Its existing facility in Franklin will continue assembling Conair products, and the corporate offices will remain in Cranberry Township, Pa.

The investment includes building renovations and purchases of automated laser systems for sheet metal and tube cutting, welding cells, CNC machining centers and powder coating equipment.

Some operations are expected to begin at the new location in early 2027, and the volume and range of parts produced in-house will increase in phases through 2028.

“Our customers count on Conair for technology that helps them produce higher-quality plastic parts, improve efficiency, and meet demanding production requirements,” said Jon Lashley, EVP of Conair. “This investment expands our capacity to deliver that technology, bring new products to market faster, and respond to customers’ needs — from shorter delivery times to custom solutions for their applications. It gives us the resources to support our customers as their businesses evolve.”

Lashley credited Rich Shaffer, VP of vertical integration, for his efforts to expand Conair’s in-house manufacturing capabilities and develop the plan for the new operation.

Conair was founded in Franklin by John Reib in 1956 and is a subsidiary of Piovan Group. Its extensive lineup of over 450 products ranges from drying systems, blenders and temperature control units to solutions for extrusion and recycling.