Cadwell Laboratories has started construction on an expansion that will allow it to soon hire up to 20 additional employees.

The company, which designs, manufactures and sells medical equipment, is adding a new $1.6 million two-story building that will be connected by a glassed-in walkway to its current building at 909 N. Kellogg St. in Kennewick.

The new glass-fronted building for research and development will include new laboratory and office space, allowing the company to expand all its departments, said Jay Cadwell, projects manager.

The company now employs 90 people at its 26,000-square-foot facility. The expansion will add 22,000 square feet.

A ground-breaking ceremony was Tuesday, a day after construction began on retaining walls. Construction Management Specialists of Richland is building the addition and should have it completed in nine months.

However, Cadwell Laboratories is ready to start hiring 10 to 20 software engineers and programmers for the expansion now, Cadwell said.

It plans to move engineering services into the new building, along with Cadwell Therapeutics, which produces a Food and Drug Administration-approved appliance that is worn in the mouth to treat snoring and sleep apnea. Cadwell Laboratories also produces electro-diagnostic equipment, including equipment for hospital intensive care units.

"By moving engineering out of the current building, we will be able to expand service and production," Cadwell said.

The company is continually redesigning and improving products and that, coupled with attention to customer service, is helping drive growth of the company, he said.

The new building also will include an exercise room and men and women's locker rooms to make it easier for employees to run or bike to work, Cadwell said.