Mishimoto Automotive to add manufacturing, distribution center

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Performance equipment supplier Mishimoto Automotive is growing again after cutting the ribbon on its new engineering and research and development center in New Castle.

Company CEO Michael Sullivan told employees and friends at the event Thursday night that the company has leased 80,000 square feet on Boulden Circle near the newly opened center.  The new space will include offices,  a distribution center and space for manufacturing.

Mishimoto currently ships most of its radiators, air intake systems and other products from a warehouse in California. The products are engineered in Delaware but usually produced overseas. American parts are used in some cases.

The Boulden Circle site will cut shipping times to suppliers and do-it-your-selfers who race cars on want to improve  their vehicle’s performance

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Sullivan said a big step forward for the company is a new website that allows the company to offer its products on one global platform.

Mishimoto also operates a   center that produces videos on the installation of their performance parts that are linked to the website.

The company’s headquarters on Boulden Circle will be retained for now,  but will eventually be phased out.

The new space will allow for manufacturing of a custom welding helmet line through a venture known as Arkane.  Sullivan said it was too early to show off a prototype as the company goes through patenting and other processes

A space-like helmet used as part of a display at a trade show proved to be so popular that the company decided to pursue the concept.

Company spokesman Ricky Nietubicz said employment is moving toward the 100 mark. The company currently has  14 openings in a variety of areas.

Sullivan said the new Boulden Circle site is expected to result in 45 additional jobs.

The company, which has received assistance from the Delaware Economic Development Office, is expected to have discussions on its plans with that agency, Sullivan said.

The new engineering and research center features space for staff in an auto garage-style setting. One interesting touch  comes with file cabinets shaped like tool chests.

Nietubicz says markets for the company include performance cars, such as Camaros and Mustangs. The company also supplies equipment for race cars.

One growing area comes in large pickup trucks that transport race cars and other heavy gear. Mishimoto radiators that can run $1,000  provide a performance boost for the trucks.

The engineering and R&D center designs prototypes of the equipment that are than tested on company vehicles that were on display at the event Thursday night. (See photo gallery).

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