November 16, 2011
WireCo WorldGroup on Wednesday announced the completion of an expansion of its distribution center in Sedalia that more than doubled the size of the facility and added a dozen jobs.
Representatives from WireCo, local and state economic development leaders and local elected officials gathered at the company’s distribution center at 303 Curry Drive for the announcement and a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday morning.
Matt Wilcox, director of distribution and transportation for WireCo WorldGroup, said the 53,000-square-foot expansion of the facility completed this summer brought the total size to more than 102,000 square feet. The company also added 12 jobs in Sedalia through the expansion of the distribution center.
“This facility is something we’re very proud of, as far as being part of our network,” Wilcox said. “For us, it’s an ongoing commitment to the city of Sedalia. This facility is our main distribution facility that feeds our network and our customers, and that’s going to be the plan going forward.”
WireCo, a leading producer and marketer of wire rope, electromechanical cable and wire products, has had a manufacturing facility in Sedalia since 1979. The company relocated the distribution center to Thompson Meadows Industrial Park in 2009, before expanding it this year.
While WireCo received state tax credits and local tax abatements for the expansion project through the Enhanced Enterprise Zone program, Wilcox said the primary incentive to expand its distribution facility in Sedalia was the location that is both near the company’s local manufacturing plant and in the center of the country.
Wilcox also cited the company’s relationship with the community and the strong employee base as factors in WireCo reaffirming its commitment to the Sedalia distribution center.
Along with expanding in the centralized location from which WireCo can serve its clients across the country and internationally, the larger facility will also accommodate additional inventory from a recent consolidation of the company’s distribution network.
Linda Christle, executive director of Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County, said the organization has made working closely with existing companies a priority to help make the community more attractive for when the companies are considering consolidations.
“I think it’s a combination of everybody working together, making sure our proposals are the very best we can do to try to get them to consider doing the expansion here whenever they are going to consolidate,” Christle said. “Always keeping in touch with existing companies and working with them is a key. By meeting their needs on a day-to-day basis, they know that you’re going to be there in the future.”
In congratulating WireCo for the expansion, Sedalia Mayor Elaine Horn recognized the dedication and hard work of the company’s local employees.
“We look forward to many years of continued success and growth and to see you become a larger part of our community,” Horn said.
State Rep. Stanley Cox also expressed appreciation to WireCo “for their investment in Sedalia and all the jobs they continue to bring to our community.”
“The quality of your company and your management team, along with the wages and benefits you offer your employees, makes you an excellent addition to our area,” said EDSPC Board President John Swearingen.
Wilcox said the company was still finalizing the relocation and expansion, with new heavy equipment expected to be in place at the facility within the next month.
“We’re proud of this building, and we’ve been able to add some additional … employees in this facility,” he said. “And we still have a ways to go as far as what we’re going to do in the operation here.”
News Article by Matthew Steingraber – Sedalia Democrat