Sheboygan planning commission approves 110,000‑sq‑ft Vollrath addition at North 18th Street
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Summary
The Sheboygan City Planning Commission approved a special use permit and architectural review for a 110,000-square-foot manufacturing addition at 1236 North 18th Street for Vollrath Company LLC; commissioners discussed exterior materials and a roughly 3–4 year horizon for related expansion work.
The Sheboygan City Planning Commission on Jan. 27 approved a special use permit and an architectural plan for a 110,000‑square‑foot manufacturing addition for Vollrath Company LLC at 1236 North 18th Street.
Vice Chair Jerry Jones opened the presentation of the application and said the project “represents one of the largest capital investments in Vollrath’s 150‑year history.” The commission moved and voted to approve the special use permit during the meeting; the motion was seconded and carried.
Curt, the project representative and architect, described the addition as a mostly simple, functional building that will connect existing Buildings 2 and 3 to Building 18 and update the eastern frontage on North 18th Street. He said the exterior will use precast decorative architectural wall panels, with one wall in insulated metal panel (IMP) to allow for future growth, and “clear story windows that will bring natural light inside of the space.”
Planning Commission member Eric Olsen asked whether the IMP west elevation is being installed to support near‑term growth or a later expansion. Curt replied the expansion planning horizon is “between 3 and 4 years.” Commissioner Steph noted that manufacturing is a permitted use under the city’s special‑use rules, a point raised during the review.
Commissioners and the applicant characterized the project as phase 1 of a multiyear development planned to streamline production and modernize Vollrath’s operations in Sheboygan. The application materials presented to the commission describe the project as improving production flow, operational efficiency and incorporating modern production technologies.
The commission also approved the architectural review for the proposed materials and design as submitted. No formal amendments were made during the meeting. The commission closed by thanking the applicants and noting the next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Minutes and procedural items were also approved earlier in the session.
