The Greater Dubuque region continues to grow as a hub for innovation and industry with Rite-Hite's recent announcement of a significant expansion in 2025. The global leader in industrial safety and productivity solutions has leased a 216,000-square-foot facility just one mile from its existing 330,000-square-foot Dubuque facility, which will remain operational. This new space increases Rite-Hite’s Iowa footprint by nearly two-thirds.
“This is an exciting step for the future of our Dubuque operations,” said Micaela Bomhack, Rite-Hite’s CEO. “This additional space will give us the necessary room to support continued growth globally.”
Rite-Hite’s Dubuque facility is critical to the production of the company’s Doors, Barriers, Fans, Seals & Shelters, and DuctSox product lines. Currently, the facility employs 425 team members. The new space will initially accommodate 15–20 Iowa-based employees moving into the expansion and bringing together existing smaller off-site locations to foster better collaboration and operational efficiency.
This expansion was made possible through a partnership with HODGE, the landlord and leasing partner for the new facility. Michael Fullan, VP of Development at HODGE, emphasized the significance of the project. “We’re proud to support Rite-Hite’s expansion in Dubuque. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities within the Dubuque community,” said Fullan.
Greater Dubuque Development worked closely with the City of Dubuque on behalf of both Rite-Hite and HODGE to prepare and finalize the development agreement that facilitated this expansion. This collaboration underscores the region’s commitment to supporting businesses and fostering economic growth.
The move into the new space is already underway, with a phased transition expected to continue throughout 2025. The investment positions Rite-Hite to warehouse and manufacture more products while reinforcing Dubuque as a key location for its global operations.
Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rite-Hite is a worldwide leader in industrial safety and material handling solutions. With 2,800 employees globally, the company operates in more than 100 locations across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia/Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
This milestone is another testament to the Greater Dubuque region’s robust economic landscape, and we are proud to have Rite-Hite as a vital contributor to our thriving community.
To learn more about how Greater Dubuque Development can assist your existing business in realizing its expansion goals in the Greater Dubuque region, contact Jason White, Vice President of Business Services at 563-557-9049 or jasonw@greaterdubuque.org.