Reinke Manufacturing Company Inc. announced Wednesday that it will expand its manufacturing facility in Belleville, more than doubling its workforce over the next 18 months.

The expanded facility will be 20,000 square feet and  make many of the items Reinke currently manufactures, including irrigation and chassis products. The Belleville company currently manufactures electrical assemblies.

Belleville, with a population of nearly 2,000, is located in Republic County.

Company officials cite the increased demand for its products for the expansion, which will increase employment at the Belleville plant to 50 workers by the end of 2013.

“We are excited about expanding our manufacturing presence in Belleville as the demand for our products continues to grow both domestically and internationally,” said Reinke President Chris Roth.

Republic County Economic Development, North Central Kansas Industrial Development, and the city of Belleville assisted Reinke with preliminary research for the project.

“We are thrilled about Reinke’s new endeavor in Republic County and happy that they chose to build here,” said Jenny Russell, Republic County Economic Development coordinator.  “ Reinke has been a strong community partner for years, and we look forward to a continued relationship with them for years to come.”