Fort Wayne, Ind. (October 13, 2008) — Wayne Pipe & Supply, Inc. has announced plans to build a new facility in the city’s Summit Industrial Park II. The company will relocate from its current location at 1815 South Anthony Boulevard to Summit II, which is bounded by Washington Center Road on the south and Ludwig Road on the north. Wayne Pipe and Supply plans to build a $3.1 million, 48,000 square feet office and warehouse building on Innovation Boulevard near Washington Center Road.
“Locating our headquarters in Summit Industrial Park II will bring us closer to our customer base,” said Jim Wilson, president of Wayne Pipe & Supply. “This move will allow us to modernize our operation and cut transportation costs.” Wayne Pipe & Supply distributes a wide variety of products, ranging from cast iron tubs to copper fittings and mill supplies. In the last decade, the company has experienced a fifty percent increase in sales volume. The company has been in business for over 100 years, maintains over 50 full-time employees and will add two more positions after its relocation.
“By choosing Summit Industrial Park II, Wayne Pipe & Supply is demonstrating its commitment to the City of Fort Wayne and the redevelopment of our community,” stated Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “The company’s investment in Fort Wayne illustrates the strength of our business environment.”
President of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, Christopher Guerin, considers the move by Wayne Pipe & Supply to be a positive step for the company. “Summit Industrial Park II is the perfect fit for a growing company like Wayne Pipe & Supply. This move will provide many options for the company as its business continues to thrive.”
Along with new building construction, the company will also update its infrastructure by investing $590,500 in improvements to logistical distribution equipment and $18,000 in improvements to information technology equipment. The Fort Wayne Common Council will consider phasing in property taxes associated with the project. Wayne Pipe & Supply could save approximately $373,629 while still paying over $396,914 in local property tax over ten years.
“As a member of the Chamber, we support Wayne Pipe & Supply’s move into Summit Industrial Park II,” said president and CEO of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Kristine Foate. “We believe this change will help facilitate the company’s plans for any future development.”
Karen Spake of CB Richard Ellis Sturges is handling the real estate transaction for the Redevelopment Commission, while Phil Knapke of Martin Goldstine Knapke is representing Wayne Pipe & Supply. Knapke is also actively searching for interested users for the 1815 South Anthony Boulevard property.
About Wayne Pipe & Supply, Inc.
Wayne Pipe & Supply, headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, is a rapidly growing distributor serving customers within a 100-mile radius of the city. More than a century old, Wayne Pipe began operations as a pipe, valve, and fitting house. For more information on Wayne Pipe & Supply, visit www.waynepipe.com.