State and local dignitaries joined with executives from Delta Faucet Co. and its parent corporation, Masco, to break ground on an expansion of Delta's Greensburg, Ind. manufacturing facility. Delta also commenced construction of a central distribution center at its Jackson, Tenn. plant. Company officials cited the continued growth of the faucet maker's business, along with a healthy forecast for the construction and remodeling industries as prime reasons for the additions.

The new facility at the Greensburg plant will allow for increased production of Delta's Brilliance line, as well as Delta's Venetian Bronze. It will also serve as a finishing development center for the creation and production of new finishes.

"Greensburg was our first manufacturing plant and remains a key to our future growth," said John C. Wills, Delta's president. "It is the best location to build on our position as the industry leader in finishing technology."

The Greensburg plant was opened in 1959. The finishing facility will add another 27,000 sq. ft. to the existing 477,000-sq.-ft. plant. The target date for completion of the new addition is April 2003.

The company's new central distribution center will be about 250,000 sq. ft. and will be adjacent to the Delta plant in Jackson. It will provide space to allow for the shipping of related products, such as bath accessories, from sister companies.

"Space is becoming an issue at our plant warehouses due to the growth of our business," said Wills. "That's why we are investing in a central distribution center. We chose Jackson due to its central location in relation to many of our large markets."

The new facility will not affect Delta's current operations in Greensburg or Chickasha. The existing plant warehouses at both locations will support the new distribution center by continuing to ship regionally.