St. Joseph, MN | April 16, 2026 Hansen & Company Woodworks has officially opened the doors to HCo 2.0, unveiling North America’s first fully automated frameless batch-one cabinet production line. This isn’t just a milestone for HCo it’s proof that advanced manufacturing can be built and scaled right here in America.
To celebrate the achievement, Hansen is hosting a national industry event, welcoming manufacturers, partners, contractors, and industry leaders from across the country to experience the system live and in operation something never before seen at this scale in North America.
HCo 2.0 represents a more than 400% increase in production capacity, introducing a fully automated frameless batch-one cabinet production line engineered and integrated exclusively by Biesse Technic the global leader in advanced woodworking automation designed to meet the growing demands of commercial construction while maintaining domestic manufacturing excellence.
Investing in Our City and in America
After years of planning, engineering, and construction, the doors are finally open. While this expansion strengthens Hansen’s presence in its hometown, the vision extends far beyond local growth.
HCo 2.0 is not just an investment in a beautiful and thriving city it is an investment in American manufacturing, American workers, and American competitiveness.
- The national event on July 22nd, 2026, will provide attendees with:
- Live demonstrations of the fully automated production line
- A first-hand look at intelligent material storage and retrieval systems
- High-speed CNC machining in action
- A walkthrough of the connected digital workflow
- Direct insight into how automation supports skilled American jobs
This event is more than a facility tour it is a statement that large-scale, high-tech manufacturing can thrive in the United States.
Biesse Technic: The Engineering Force Behind HCo 2.0
HCo 2.0 would not exist without Biesse Technic. As the exclusive technology and integration partner, Biesse Technic was involved at every stage from initial concept through final commissioning. The collaboration included:
- Automated material storage and retrieval systems
- High-speed CNC routing technology
- Integrated material flow engineering
- Intelligent sequencing and digital workflow systems
- Facility layout optimization to maximize available space
- Ongoing technical guidance, training, and implementation support
Every system, every integration, every line of digital workflow in HCo 2.0 was designed and delivered by Biesse Technic. Working in close collaboration with the Hansen team, Biesse Technic reimagined the entire production flow addressing previous space limitations, inefficient material movement, and the risks of panel damage caused by manual handling. The new system reduces variability, protects product quality, and increases throughput with precision and predictability.
“Automation was not just about increasing output,” said Adam Hansen, Founder & CEO, Hansen & Company Woodworks. “It was about designing a smarter operation. With Biesse’s expertise and support, we built a system that handles the repetitive work so our people can focus on what actually takes skill. That’s how you give people a real opportunity to achieve their potential and that’s always been the mission.”
Measurable Results
Since implementing the new system, Hansen & Company Woodworks has achieved:
- Production growth from 150 to 500+ cabinets per day
- Reduced lead times for commercial projects
- Improved labor efficiency and workflow clarity
- Lower material waste and reduced damage risk
- Increased wages through higher-skilled positions
- Expanded national production capacity
The integrated system enables real-time coordination between storage, machining, and assembly creating a streamlined ecosystem built for scalability.
“From our very first meetings with Adam both here in the United States and across Europe we made it our priority to truly listen. To understand not just the operational requirements, but the vision behind them. That process is what allowed the Biesse Technic team to design a fully integrated facility we are both proud to stand behind. HCo 2.0 is the first of its kind in the United States, and we are honored to have been the partner that helped bring it to life. We look forward to celebrating this achievement together at the event." Jason Varelli, Lines Director for Biesse Technic Wood, Biesse
A Blueprint for the Future
HCo 2.0 is more than an expansion. It is a blueprint.
It demonstrates that:
- Automation and skilled labor can work together
- Domestic manufacturing can scale competitively
- Facility design and workflow engineering are critical to growth
- Strategic partnerships accelerate transformation
By opening its doors nationally, Hansen & Company Woodworks is inviting the industry to see what is possible when technology, planning, and vision align.
“Manufacturing built America. I believe it still can,” said Adam Hansen, Founder & CEO of Hansen & Company Woodworks. “We built this without waiting for a handout traditional financing, a great community partner in St. Joseph, and a team that believed in the vision. That’s what this is about.”
About Hansen & Company Woodworks
Founded in 2004 in St. Joseph, Minnesota, Hansen & Company Woodworks (HCo) is a leading commercial interiors manufacturer operating across three divisions: volume casework for multi-unit environments, architectural millwork and metalwork, and a surfaces division covering granite, quartz, and solid surface fabrication. HCo 2.0 North America’s first fully automated frameless batch-one cabinet production line represents a $25 million investment in American manufacturing and the workers who make it run.
HCo is a one-stop partner for commercial interiors volume casework, architectural millwork and metalwork, and surfaces serving general contractors, architects, and ownership groups across multi-unit residential, healthcare, and commercial markets. 97% of fabrication is performed in-house at HCo’s 100,000+ sq ft facility in St. Joseph, Minnesota.
About Biesse
Biesse S.p.A. -We manufacture lines, machinery and components for making products, enhancing the potential of the wide range of materials processed by our customers. We simplify the production processes of customers working in the furniture, construction, automotive and aerospace sectors, courtesy of the skill of the people who work in our production sites around the world. Founded in Italy in 1969 and listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001, we are driven by our international calling, which is manifested through a network of Biesse Material Hub, where customers can enjoy a multi-material experience.
