Philip Drive could be in for a serious industrial glow-up. The Gund Company is floating plans for roughly 110,000 square feet of new space at its Waukesha plant, a move that would substantially increase the manufacturer's footprint along the corridor. Conceptual drawings show new manufacturing and warehouse areas plus a two-story office entrance tailored to the facility's operations. The project is still in the early discussion phase and is set to come before the Waukesha Plan Commission this evening.
According to the City of Waukesha, the item is listed as a consultation for 809 Philip Drive and includes site plans, floor plans and elevation drawings for the potential buildout. The agenda makes it clear the meeting is for discussion only and notes that "no formal action will be taken" while the project remains conceptual.
Two-Phase Build And Site Layout
Reporting from BizTimes indicates the expansion would roll out in two phases. A smaller first phase would attach to the existing building, adding warehouse and loading-dock capacity. A much larger second phase would follow, bringing in additional office and manufacturing space. City materials tied to the plan commission agenda list the full proposed addition at about 110,000 square feet and show the new structures positioned west of the current facility.
Who Is Gund?
The Gund Company, headquartered in St. Louis, manufactures engineered composite, thermoplastic and elastomeric materials used in electrical systems and a range of industrial applications. The company's locations page lists the Waukesha operation at 809 Philip Drive and shows manufacturing sites across North America and abroad, according to the company website.
Local Context
The Gund proposal lands amid a wave of factory upgrades around the area, reinforcing Waukesha's status as a manufacturing stronghold. As an expansion wave hitting the county reported, projects across Waukesha County point to steady demand for industrial space and skilled production jobs.
What’s Next
Because the item is listed as a consultation, commissioners will offer feedback rather than take a vote this evening. That gives Gund and city staff room to refine the proposal before any formal submittals. If the company moves ahead with a site-plan or zoning application, those materials would head back to the Plan Commission for technical review and public notice in line with city procedures, according to the City of Waukesha meeting documents.
BizTimes also reports the Gund facility's current building is roughly 65,000 square feet and that the company did not respond to requests for comment on the potential expansion. We will be watching permit filings, future Plan Commission agendas and any company statements for updates on timing, jobs and investment.
