WICHITA, Kan.  -- A Wichita manufacturing company is expanding its operations, while adding jobs in the future.  JR Custom Metal Products said it is adding a $3 million, 30,000 sq. ft. production facility.  The business specializes in material handling equipment and production support equipment for large original equipment manufacturers, transportation companies, the wind power industry, and various other industries.
     The company expects to hire 15 employees within the next year, adding up to 50 workers over the next five years.  Tim Norton, Sedgwick County commissioner, said it is good to see JR Custom Metal Products take a risk and expand operations in Wichita.  “They continue to seek new markets, new clients and new ideas all building on what they do so well,” Norton said.
     The company began in 1974 by Jesus Raul Martinez, Sr. as a one-man metal shop. Now with second-generation family members at the helm, the business has grown over the years to more than 98,000 square feet in facilities with about 110 employees working three shifts.