June 1, 2007 -- Hirschmann Automation and Control, Inc. recently held a ground-breaking ceremony in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, at the future site of the company's headquarters for the Americas.

According to the company, the 35,000 square foot building will feature expanded office and warehouse space along with a training and conference center. The facility will house Hirschman's three divisions: ECS (information and control systems), INET (industrial networking), and ICON (industrial connectors).

The new building is to feature several environmentally friendly design elements, says the company, including the use of no/low VOC products, materials from recycled products, energy efficient lighting, and native landscaping.

Construction of the new facility started on March 19 with a planned move-in date of October 1.

"We are excited to move into a state-of-the art facility that will accommodate our future growth plans," said Mark Hendel, president of Hirschmann Automation and Control, Inc. "Chambersburg has been a good fit for Hirschmann and we look forward to growing within the community."

According to a press release, in attendance at the ground-breaking ceremony were business leaders and dignitaries from the Chambersburg area, including: Pennsylvania state senator Terry Punt (33rd District); Jake Kaufman, president of the Chambersburg Area Development Corporation; David Sciamanna, president of the Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce; and the contractor for the project, Gregg Thompson, director of business development at Brechbill & Helman.

Hirschmann specializes in automation and networking systems, offering a range of industrial Ethernet products. The company currently employs 75 people to support both North and South American markets.