Large Expansion Approved For Southington Factory

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A major industrial player in Southington's business community recently saw its large expansion plans approved by local land-use officials.

The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved at its last meeting April 1 a site plan modification for Uyemura USA in Southington to build a 17,100-square-foot expansion.

The current factory site has a 33,400-square-foot facility with a parking lot for 70 vehicles, along with necessary truck access for deliveries and shipping.

Located at 240 Town Line Road, Uyemura — headquartered in Ontario, Calif., with a tech center in Southington — produces chemical plating materials that treat metal for various industrial uses worldwide.

It occupies 4.67 acres at the site, and company officials told the PZC the expansion would, mostly, be additional manufacturing and warehouse space for storage and inventory.

Emily Kelting, of Loureiro Engineering in Plainville, represented the applicant at the meeting.

Kelting said the company handles chemicals for specialty coating and plating and stores raw materials and "mixed proprietary blends" packaged for resale to industrial clients.

She said the addition will be an "expansion of the current operations."

"It will house the same uses as the current building. There will be rooms for additional plating, mixing, and packaging operations," Kelting said.

Aside from technical questions associated with drainage, noise, and other aspects of the plan, PZC members easily approved the modification 7-0.

The property is industrially zoned, so the project is appropriately zoned for the applicant's proposal, which is why a site plan modification permit was sought.

A public hearing on April 1 drew no comments from anyone opposed.

Southington Economic Development Director Lou Perillo praised the company for their work in the community.

"The company is a phenomenal company. It's vital. Never any complaints. Good workforce," he said, adding Umenyura even donated part of its property to accommodate a nearby Rails-to-Trails hiking trail. "I think that goes a long way to show the character of the company."

"We look forward to doing business with you for a long time," said Southington PZC Vice Chairman Steve Waloski, who was chairing the meeting.

For the minutes of the April 1 Southington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.